Three staff members of Minister Lakshman Kiriella's media unit who were arrested last month for attempting to distribute "defamatory letters" against President Maithripala Sirisena, have been granted bail.

The three members of Kiriella's personal staff were arrested at the Colombo Central Mail Exchange last month and subsequently handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

They were arrested with 600 letters "defaming President Maithripala Sirisena and causing racial disharmony."

Issuing a statement, however, Kiriella denied claims that his staff members were involved in defamatory propaganda against President Maithripala Sirisena and causing racial disharmony in the country.