Actress and 11 others arrested and bailed out over attending five-star b’day bash

Actress Piumi Hansamali, make-up artist Chandimal Jayasinghe and others at the Colombo Magistrate court yesterday after being enlarged on bail for the offence of violating quarantine laws by throwing a birthday party at a five-star hotel in Colombo on Sunday (30) night.

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Colombo Additional Magistrate Chandima Liyanage yesterday released. on a personal bail of one million rupees each, make-up artist Chandimal Jayasinghe, actress Piumi Hansamali and 10 others, arrested for violating quarantine laws. The case will be taken up again on Aug 27.

Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said the birthday party had been held at a five-star hotel in the Galle Face area, in Colombo on Sunday (30) night.

“We are examining the CCTV footage. Already 12 people who attended the party have been identified and investigations are underway to identify the others,” he said.

The Police Spokesman urged owners of hotels, banquet halls, motels and other such places not to hold any social event until the travel restrictions were removed.

“The owners will be held responsible. I know that it’s hard to maintain such places without business, but if everyone adheres to the law, and help bring the pandemic situation under control, restrictions currently in forces can be removed.”

Meanwhile, Inginiyagala Police on Sunday night took into custody 50 people and a bus for transporting passengers from Akkaraipattu to Colombo. Legal action would be taken against the passengers, driver, conductor, and the owner of the bus under quarantine rules and regulations, DIG Rohana said.

“On Sunday evening, Akkaraipattu Police was informed of an attempt to take passengers to Colombo. They went there and advised the driver and conductor and asked passengers to go away. However, the bus left with passengers at night. The route permit of the bus would be cancelled.”