Jan 22, Colombo: Colombo Magistrate Rashmi Singappuli today released Central Provincial Council Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and three others each on Rs. one million bail.

The Chief Minister, who is also the province's education minister, and the others are charged of influencing the principal of Heramitiyagala Sri Dheerananda College to admit a student to the Grade 1 of the school in 2008.

Provincial education director Wijayasiri Herath and a coordinating secretary to the President Hemal Madiwela have also been accused of involvement in the irregularities committed between February 29 and August 17 of 2008.

The suspects were produced in the court by the Bribery or Corruption Commission.

Counsel Kalinga Indratissa appearing for the suspects pointed out that the relevant student had been admitted to the school.