Sri Lanka, Jan. 1 -- Former State Pharmaceuticals Corporation chairman Mohommed Rumi Mohommed Azeem, who surrendered to the Criminal Investigations Department over the "White Van" press conference, was yesterday ordered to be remanded till January 6 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Shalini Perera.The suspect was charged with allegedly giving two million rupees to two persons, who spoke about alleged 'white van' abductions at a press conference prior to the last presidential election.

Former chairman Azeem was arrested after he surrendered to the CID after being wanted over the 'white van' press conference staged last month.

When the matter was taken up before the Magistrate, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appearing on behalf of...