Former Minister and United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage was released on bail for the second time by the Fort Magistrate this morning.

This is after he fulfilled bail conditions by providing evidence that his passport was in the custody of the Colombo High Court.

Aluthgamage was arrested yesterday after presenting himself to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the Police yesterday.

He was released on bail in the afternoon, but arrested and remanded once more, after it was found he could not proved that his passport was in the custody of Colombo High Court.

At an earlier date, Aluthgamage was prevented from leaving the country until investigations into the allegations against him are concluded.

It is alleged Aluthgamage misused Rs. 39 million state funds buying carrom and checker boards that he then distributed to schools and sports clubs to enhance his political clout.

SATHOSA Chairman Nalin Fernando was arrested for the same crime on April 6 but was released on bail on April 10.