Colombo Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage today ordered the temporary release of the passport of former Ceypetco Chairman Asantha de Mel for six weeks.

De Mel's passport had been impounded regarding the case on the controversial hedging deal of 2007-08.

He informed court that he wanted to travel to UK to attend the graduation ceremony of his daughter and requested the release of his passport.

The Magistrate considered the request and ordered the temporary release of the passport. He also ordered De Mel to report to the FCID following his return to the country,