MP Namal Rajapaksa and 7 others were released on bail by Hambantota Magistrate Manjula Karunarathna this morning (16).
The suspects were released on Rs. 500,000 cash bail and three surety bails each.
MP Namal Rajapaksa and the others were remanded on 10th of this month for staging a protest in Hambantota on 6th of this month, despite a restraining order was in place against the protest.
The protest was held against government’s plan to lease the Mattala Airport to an Indian firm.
The other suspects who received bail were MP D.V. Chanaka and Southern Provincial Councilor Sampath Athukorala.
However, our correspondent confirmed that MP Prasanna Ranaweera, Western Provincial Councilor Upali Kodikara, and Retired Major Ajith Prasanna were further remanded until 30th of October.
Meanwhile, the 3-member Committee appointed by the National Police Commission to investigate the incident in Hambantota is scheduled to visit Hambantota today.
The Committee will also refer video footage and statements recorded by police,
The Commission Secretary Ariyadasa Cooray said that the Committee will submit a report with their findings following their investigation.
At the same time, ASP Thushara Daluwatta who had allegedly assaulted the youth during the protest was transferred to Matara Division by the National Police Commission.
In addition, Human Rights Commission is also conducting an investigation into this incident.
Our correspondent said altogether 40 persons who were in remand custody were produced before the court today and 32 of them were re-remanded.