The suspects, who were arrested under the PTA for aiding and abetting the LTTE, were released on bail after discussions with the President, Prime minister, Attorney General and several other state institutions.

After their case was taken up on Jan. 27, the TID had requested to rehabilitate them.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka Mirror' a lawyer appearing on behalf of the suspects said that as the suspects were not prepared to go into rehabilitation immediately, it was agreed to postpone the request until Jan. 10.

Also, the suspects were released on two sureties of Rs. 200,000 and bail conditions. They have been ordered to appear before the CID in Colombo or Vavuniya on the last Sunday of every month.

False promises

Meanwhile, a suspect told 'Sri Lanka Mirror' that Rehabilitation minister - D.M. Swaminathan had assured to release them.

The minister had made the promise after visiting the prison during a prisoners' fast and accordingly, the prisoners had relented.

However, the promises ended up being false as they were released only on bail, he further said.