Hambantota District Judge Nishantha Pieris, released P. H. Saman Udayanga alias ‘Dadi Danduwam’ on Rupees 2.5 million surety bail and Rupees 500,000 in cash after he was charged with operating an unauthorised financial institution by getting cash deposits from the public promising high interest rates. The inquiry will resume on July 15.

The suspect had been arrested by Hungama police on a large number of complaints depositors had lodged with the police.

The suspect was also ordered to appear on the first three Sundays at Hungama police between 9.00 a.m. and 12 noon and to be present at the CID office, Colombo, between 9.00 a.m. and 12 noon on the last Sunday of the month.

Sub-Inspector Abeydeera of the CID and PS. Padmasiri of Hungama police, supported the charges against the suspect while Attorney-at-Law Chaminda Suriyapatabendi appeared for the defence.