Thirty one suspected ex-LTTE members, detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, were released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya a short while ago.

They were released on two sureties each of Ra. 10 million. They were ordered to confirm their permanent addresses and inform of any changes in them. They were also barred from foreign travel and were ordered to report at the Terrorist Investigation Division in Vavuniya or Colombo fortnightly.

They were among the 32 detainees who were brought to the courts in the morning. However, the TID opposed to their release, informing them that they had not received any official instruction.

The Attorney General's Department told the courts that it was not aware that the case would be taken up in the morning, which led to the confusion.

The cases regarding the 31 suspects were fixed to be heard on January 27.