Former MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena was remanded until July 8 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya over charges under the Money Laundering Act.

It was earlier said that Gunawardena had forced a businessman to write him cheques to the value of Rs 610 million. However, the businessman today appeared in court and said that he was not threatened by Gunawardena as it was mentioned earlier.

However, Gunawardena has failed to pay him money he is due and he will be taking legal action in this regard, the businessman also said.

Meanwhile, the investigations as to how Gunawardena acquired the sum of Rs 610 million is ongoing.