Will Hirunika get temporary relief from jail?

• The defence can seek bail in terms of Section 20(2) of the Bail Act (No. 30 of 1997), requesting the release of the accused on bail since an appeal has been filed against the conviction

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The bail application (bail pending appeal) filed on behalf of former Colombo District Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was yesterday fixed for July 4 by the Colombo High Court.  

Hirunika Premachandra, who was jailed for three years for her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender, has filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal challenging the conviction and sentence imposed by the Colombo High Court.  

When this bail application was called before Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja, the Attorney General was notified to appear before the Court on July 4.  

Hirunika Premachandra was found guilty of 18 counts, including conspiring and aiding in the abduction, threatening, assaulting and intimidating victim Amila Priyankara after the abduction in Dematagoda. She is the ninth accused in the case, and criminal charges against her proceeded as she pleaded not guilty. The court further imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on the accused for each charge.  

The defence can seek bail in terms of Section 20(2) of the Bail Act (No. 30 of 1997), requesting the release of the accused on bail since an appeal has been filed against the conviction.