National Freedom Front Spokesman Mohomad Muzammil was further remanded till July 7 by Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne over the alleged misuse of a Presidential Secretariat vehicle.

Muzammil is charged under the Money Laundering Act, Public Property Act and the Penal Code.

When his lawyers requested bail, the Magistrate said that since the charges fall under the Public Properties Act, bail could be granted only on special grounds. Muzammil should apply for bail in writing, the Magistrate directed.

Lawyers then requested a short date for the next hearing and the Magistrate said that the case will be taken up on July 7.

Muzammil is said to have misappropriated Rs 6.2 million as rent for a vehicle from the State Engineering Corporation.

Accordingly, he has been given a vehicle rented by the Presidential Secretariat while he was an MP. The Secretariat has paid the rent.

After his defeat in the 2010 General Election, Muzammil was appointed as a Working Director of the State Engineering Corporation.

He had allegedly informed the Corporation that the vehicle he used was his official vehicle and had accepted its rent from the corporation. The money was allegedly transferred to an account of his wife.

His lawyers said today that Muzammil had informed Engineering Corporation that he will be using the vehicle provided by the Presidential Secretariat. The Engineering Corporation only paid for maintenance, it was also said.