May 14, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has directed that an independent medical evaluation be carried out on Nandun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, widely known as “Harak Kata”, a high-profile detainee currently held at the Tangalle Old Prison on serious drug trafficking charges.
The order was made by High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka following claims by the accused that he was suffering from multiple health complications—including haemorrhoids—and was not receiving adequate medical treatment in custody.
Wickramaratne alleged that the medical attention he did receive had been compromised due to interference from the Officer-in-Charge of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in Tangalle.
During his appearance before court, the accused insisted that his complaints were not being addressed by medical personnel independently, and requested judicial intervention to ensure access to proper healthcare.
In response, the judge acknowledged that “only the patient truly feels the pain” and emphasised the importance of appropriate treatment for those in state custody, regardless of the allegations they face.
The court ordered the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of Tangalle—or a medical professional appointed by the JMO—to carry out a health assessment of the suspect and report on his condition.
In addition, the Director of the TID was instructed to submit a detailed statement outlining the current state of Wickramaratne’s health and the medical interventions he has received to date.
President’s Counsel Kapila Waidyaratne, appearing for the defence, reminded the court that his client has been held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for several years and expressed concern over the prolonged detention without trial.
He also indicated that a formal bail application would be filed soon and urged the court to exercise its discretionary powers in considering the request.
The High Court subsequently scheduled further hearings on the matter for 28 May.
Wickramaratne, whose alias “Harak Kata” has become synonymous with organised narcotics trafficking, has long been under scrutiny by law enforcement. His detention under the PTA has raised both legal and humanitarian concerns, with rights groups questioning the continued use of emergency legislation in non-terror-related cases.
