By: Ovindi Vishmika
March 29, Colombo (LNW): The female doctor who was sexually assaulted at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital successfully identified the suspect, a former army soldier, during an identification parade held yesterday (March 28).
The parade took place before Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya at the Magistrate’s official residence.
The identification procedure was an essential step in the ongoing investigation into the assault, which took place at the hospital’s residential quarters. The suspect, 36-year-old Nilantha Maduranga Rathnayake, a former soldier, is currently in remand custody. He is accused of sexually assaulting the doctor in December 2023.
This identification parade had been delayed multiple times due to the victim’s failure to attend previous hearings. The parade was initially scheduled for March 17 but had to be postponed twice. However, with the victim’s participation ensured on March 28, the procedure moved forward, marking a significant development in the case.
Following the identification, the case was reconvened in open court. The Child and Women’s Bureau of the Anuradhapura Headquarters Police requested the suspect’s further remand, citing the need for continued investigations. The Chief Magistrate, accepting this request, ordered that Rathnayake remain in remand custody until April 10.
During the proceedings, the suspect requested permission to make a confidential statement regarding the incident. In response, the Chief Magistrate stated that the request would be considered after a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect. Rathnayake is to be examined by a psychiatrist at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, with the results to be submitted to the court.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, along with a legal team, is representing the complainant doctor in the case. However, no lawyer appeared on behalf of the accused during the hearing.
The case has attracted significant public attention, and the outcome of the identification parade is seen as a crucial step towards justice. Authorities, led by Officer-in-Charge Nishani Seneviratne, continue to pursue all avenues of investigation in what is becoming one of the most high-profile cases in the region.
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