It was revealed in court today that MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, who did not appear in court on the 11th due to being treated at the hospital, does not have any special illness.
The Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer has confirmed to the court that although Champika Ranawaka has undergone 10 medical examinations, no special condition has been revealed.
When the case was filed on January 10 in connection with a road accident in the Rajagiriya area during Ranawaka’s tenure as a Minister, Ranawaka’s lawyers stated that his client was not appearing in court as he was being treated at the hospital. Colombo High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte ordered the Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer to submit a report to the court regarding the suspect.
The suspect Champika Ranawaka appeared before the court when the case was taken up today.
Deputy Solicitor General Dileep Peiris who appeared for the High Court on behalf of the plaintiff stated that the Colombo Crimes Division had recorded a statement from the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer regarding the condition of Champika Ranawaka. Peiris has stated that 10 tests carried out by the Judicial Medical Officer have confirmed that Champika Ranawaka is in good health and is not that ill to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
The Deputy Solicitor General requested the High Court to remand the suspect until the end of the trial. If not he asked that the case be heard on a daily basis.
Defendant’s counsel Anuja Premaratne stated that his client was hospitalized not with the intention of postponing the case. The lawyer also said that his client is scheduled to undergo another medical examination tomorrow.
After considering the facts, High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte stated that the court would not oppose any attempt to adjourn the case following due process of law. However, according to the reports issued by the Judicial Medical Officer, it is confirmed that the suspect is in good health enough to appear before the court, the judge said.
The High Court Judge stated that it was the intention of the court to conclude the case expeditiously and decided to hear the case again on February 18.
