COLOMBO, July 8 -- Former Minister Jagath Pushpakumara was granted bail on Wednesday (8) after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate's Court following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over alleged corruption-related offences.

Colombo Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered Pushpakumara's release on two personal sureties of Rs 5 million each and imposed a travel ban.

The former minister was arrested by CIABOC officials after several hours of questioning when he appeared before the Commission earlier in the day to provide a statement regarding the allegations. He was subsequently produced before the Magistrate by investigators.

Presenting facts before court, CIABOC officials...