Chinari Lakmanthi Hettiarachchi, wife of former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, has been remanded until October 6 over an alleged attempt to bribe an employee attached to the Colombo High Court.
She was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption and subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.
CIABOC alleges that Hettiarachchi paid Rs.50,000 to an office aide attached to Colombo High Court No. 11 in an attempt to influence proceedings involving her husband and secure a suspended prison sentence.
Investigators cite electronic communications
Investigators told court that WhatsApp messages recovered from a mobile phone contained communications allegedly connected to the arrangement.
They also referred to records allegedly associated with the transfer of money.
After considering submissions by investigators and the defence, the Chief Magistrate rejected Hettiarachchi's bail application and ordered that she be remanded until October 6.
Allegation remains unproven
The alleged bribe and alleged attempt to influence the judicial process are CIABOC allegations.
The arrest, court appearance and remand order do not constitute a finding of guilt.
The allegations must therefore continue to be attributed to investigators unless and until determined by a court.