Natasha granted bail by Colombo High Court

• Comedienne Natasha Edirisooriya was arrested for allegedly making comments on Buddhism, detrimental to the country’s religious harmony and she was ordered to be placed under remand custody by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

Stand-up comedienne Natasha Edirisooriya was yesterday ordered to be released on bail by Colombo High Court. Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige ordered to release the suspect on a cash bail of Rs.100,000 pursuant to a bail application filed on behalf of the suspect.   

Comedienne Natasha Edirisooriya was arrested for allegedly making comments on Buddhism, detrimental to the country’s religious harmony and she was ordered to be placed under remand custody by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.   

She was arrested for allegedly committing offenses under the provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act (ICCPR) and Penal Code.  

The section 3(4) of the ICCPR Act states that an offence under section 3 is considered as cognizable and non-bailable, and no person suspected or accused of such an offence should be enlarged on bail, except by the High Court in exceptional circumstances.  

Meanwhile, Ven. Rajangana Saddharatna thera who was also arrested for allegedly committing offenses under the ICCPR and sections 120, 485 of the Penal Code was yesterday further remanded till July 12 by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage. The CID alleged that the suspect has committed an offence that gives rise to public disquiet.