Gotabhaya was to leave on October 05 on a two-week trip at the Chinese government’s invitation to attend a security conference.

Taking up a case filed by the bribery commission against the former defence secretary and seven others, the Colombo magistrate’s court enlarged them on bail, but prohibited them from leaving the country.

The court ordered that if Gotabhaya wanted to go overseas, he should obtain prior court permission.

His lawyers have now decided to make a request on October 03.

The eight stand accused of causing a Rs. 11.4 billion loss to the state by allowing Avant Garde to run a floating armoury.

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was also present to witness the court hearing.