Srilanka, April 8 -- The Colombo Magistrate's Court has ordered the release on bail of former Minister S. Viyalendran, who was arrested and remanded on suspicion of aiding and abetting a bribe of Rs. 1.5 million from a businessman for the issuance of a sand permit.

The case was taken up today before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.

Officers of the Bribery Commission informed the court that investigations into the suspect had been completed. President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing for the defense, requested bail on the grounds that the investigation was concluded and no complaints had been made regarding any threat to witnesses.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered the suspect's release on cash ba...