Sri Lanka, Feb. 18 -- The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court today ordered the release of former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake on bail after he was remanded on suspicion of aiding and abetting the alleged misuse of state funds.

Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara issued the order to release the suspect on two surety bails of Rs. 2 million each following a request made by President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa.

The case stems from allegations involving the approval of approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds to finance a 2023 visit to Britain by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which investigators claim was a private trip to attend a university graduation ceremony.

While Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing ...