Six remaining suspects, including activist Piyath Nikeshala and former MP J. Sri Ranga, were released by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in the case over the arson attack on former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence.
Magistrate Pasan Amarasena was told that the Attorney General had advised that the six could be released. Several other suspects had earlier been discharged on the Attorney General’s advice.
The court also lifted the overseas travel bans on all 29 suspects in the case. The bans had been in place for about 29 months.
The case relates to the fire at the residence on 9 May 2022, during the Aragalaya protest movement.
Speaking to the media outside court, Nikeshala said he was relieved to regain his freedom after prolonged legal proceedings. He said he was sad that his father, who had supported him throughout the case, had died and could not see his release.