The Colombo Additional Magistrate today (24) ordered the release on bail of the Managing Director of the local agent company of the X-Press Pearl vessel, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on suspicion of deleting the ship's data system and email messages related to the fire and destruction of the ship four years ago.

The suspect was ordered to be released on two surety bails of Rs. 2.5 million each.

The Magistrate also imposed a travel ban on the suspect.

The released suspect is the Managing Director of the local shipping company, Sea Consortium.

The CID arrested and produced two suspects before the court yesterday.

Two other suspects in the case were previously released on bail over the alleged data deletion incident.

Investigating officers previously informed the Court that a data analysis conducted by the Computer Studies Department of the University of Colombo on the ship's data system revealed that the suspects had taken steps to delete the vessel's data system.

Deputy Solicitor General Madhawa Thennakoon previously told the Court that following the arrest and production of the suspects, they intended to conduct a forensic investigation with the assistance of a foreign university.

He also noted that Cabinet approval was required for this forensic examination and that the Minister of Justice was taking the necessary steps.

After considering the facts presented by the counsels, which included President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanna, Anura Meddegoda, and Chaminda Athukorala, the Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered the release of the suspect on bail.