Sri Lanka, July 31 -- Former North Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith and his sister-in-law Shanthi Chandrasena, who are currently serving a 16-year prison sentence for corruption, have filed a petition with the Colombo High Court seeking their release on bail pending an appeal.

The petition was brought before Colombo High Court Judge Sahan Mapa Bandara for consideration today (31).

President's Counsel Ali Shabri, representing the defendants, presented arguments and requested an order for their release on bail until their appeal is heard and a final verdict is pronounced.

The judge has ordered the request to be called again on August 25 to confirm the presented facts.

The Colombo High Court recently sentenced S.M. Ranjith, w...