Patali to raise preliminary objections

Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka through his lawyer today informed Colombo High Court that he is expecting to raise preliminary objections against the indictments filed by the Attorney General in connection with the hit-and-run accident alleged to have taken place in 2016 at Rajagiriya. Attorney-at-Law Rajika Kodituwakku appearing for Patali Champika Ranawaka told court that the defence is expecting to file preliminary objections challenging the maintainability of the charges filed against his client. Defence Counsel sought a further date to file objections since his senior counsel Anuja Premaratne PC is currently under self-quarantine, following two juniors attached to his chamber tested positive for COVID-19. Taking into consideration the facts, Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle fixed the case for inquiry relating to preliminary objections on June 30. The defence was ordered to file their objections in written format in order expedite the court proceedings. The Attorney General had filed two separate indictments in the High Court against former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka over this motor accident and related offences. In this case (first indictment), the indictments were filed against former Minister 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 Patali Champika, his driver Thusith Dilum Kumara and former officer In Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sudath Asmadala on charges of fabricating false evidence, conspiracy of fabricating evidence and submitting false reports to the Court.