Patali seeks probe into Rs. 450,000 spent to bring witness from Germany

A complaint has been filed seeking an investigation into the alleged expenditure of approximately Rs. 450,000 in public funds to bring a witness from Germany to Sri Lanka to testify in a case involving former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

According to a media statement issued today (22), the complaint was submitted by Senior Attorney-at-Law Shiral Lakthilaka on behalf of Ranawaka’s legal team, raising concerns over the alleged misuse of provisions under the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act.

The complaint is to be handed over to the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses and the Attorney General’s Department by Attorneys-at-Law Rajika Kodithuwakku and Thikshana Gammanpila.

The complaint relates to testimony given on October 19, 2026, in case No. HC 1824/20, currently being heard before the Colombo High Court.

According to the statement, the witness had previously informed court through his lawyers that he was unable to travel to Sri Lanka to testify at the original trial.

However, approximately Rs. 450,000 had reportedly been spent on air travel and related expenses to bring the witness from Germany to Sri Lanka.

During his testimony, the witness had reportedly stated that he had not personally paid for his travel expenses and had identified the person who covered the costs as “Mr. Indika, the Director of the CCD.”

The complaint calls for an investigation into whether the legally prescribed procedures for obtaining testimony from overseas witnesses were followed and whether the expenditure complied with relevant financial regulations governing public funds.

It also raises concerns over possible improper interference in matters relating to witnesses and seeks to determine whether the arrangements could have affected the witness’s independence or the fairness of the judicial proceedings.

Ranawaka’s legal team has requested an independent investigation, an audit of the alleged expenditure of public funds and appropriate legal action against any individuals found to have violated the law.

The complaint further emphasises the importance of safeguarding the rule of law, accountability in the use of public funds and the independence of judicial proceedings. (Newswire)

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