Although Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya instructed authorities to release the passport of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, the lawyers who appeared on behalf of the former CJ refused to accept it stating the former CJ did not want her passport back until the conclusion of the case.

Nalin ladduwahetty who appeared on behalf of the former CJ said that such a move would reflect badly on the client as some might interpret it as a development that came as a result of the recent regime change.

He also added that they had explained the “baseless nature” of the allegations against Bandaranayake to the new Director General of the Bribery Commission. Ladduwahetty said that the new Director General promised to look into the matter and respond to their explanation within two months.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate's impounded the passport of former Chief Justice Bandaranayake in September, last year, preventing her from leaving the country. The decision was in connection with her indictment on charges of failing to declare her assets during and after her tenure of office