Trial against MP Patali on November 30
The case filed against former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka for a motor accident that took place in 2016 in Rajagiriya was yesterday fixed for trial on November 30 by the Colombo High Court.
Former Minister Patali Champika, his driver Dilum Thusitha Kumara and former Welikada Police OIC Sudath Asmadala appeared in court when the case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Damith Thotawatta.
The High Court Judge issued summons on the 1st to 6th prosecution witnesses in the case to appear before the court on next hearing. It was noted that the vehicle bearing WP KT-7545 which was involved in the accident, was under the Power and Energy Ministry at the time of the accident in 2016, has not yet been produced to court as a case production.
The High Court Judge issued an order to the Kalutara District Secretary to take steps to produce the vehicle in court on or before November 22.
On July 10, the Attorney General had filed two separate indictments before the High Court against former MP Patali Champika, his driver Thusith Dilum Kumara and ASP Sudath Asmadala over the hit-and-run accident at Rajagiriya in 2016. Accordingly, the first indictment was filed against former MP Patali Champika on charges of causing grievous injury to a youth named Sandeep Sampath while driving a vehicle in a reckless manner.
The second indictment comprising 16 charges was filed against all three accused on charges of fabricating false evidence, conspiracy of fabricating evidence and submitting false reports to the Court.