It wasn’t a mere traffic offence: Gammanpila

24 December 2019 07:24 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila said today former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka was not arrested in connection with a mere traffic offence as claimed by UNP MPs but over several allegations.

He told a news briefing that UNP MPs Ajith P Perera and Nalin Bandara had said Mr. Ranawaka was remanded over a minor traffic offence which could have ended up in a fine.

"According to what transpired in court, Mr. Ranawaka was arrested for reckless driving and other serious allegations levelled against him. Fleeing the scene of the accident, misguiding the court by producing someone else as the one who drove the car at the time of the accident, threatening the witnesses, destroying evidence and obstructing the duties of the police personnel are other allegations against him. That's why he was remanded," Mr. Gammanpila said.

He said attempts were being made to intimidate the friends of the victim of the Rajagiriya accident to prevent them from giving evidence in court.

“That is why a complaint was lodged at the police station that the youth, including the victim, involved in the Rajagiriya accident was riding motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 1000 CC. If there is no ulterior motive, why make a complaint after four years of silence. Police should take action against the bogus complainants for intimidating the witnesses," the MP said.

He said the conduct of the Speaker in the aftermath of Mr. Ranawaka's arrest was biased and that no law, circular or tradition had been violated when carrying out the arrest.

“The Speaker has visited the MP in prison. Eleven of our MPs were remanded but he never visited any of them or issued a statement. The Speaker says that Mr. Ranawaka's arrest was erroneous. However, according to the circular issued by IGP on April 10, 2015, the Speaker should be informed immediately after or before the arrest of an MP. I repeat it says 'immediately after or before the arrest.' This means the Speaker can be informed after an arrest is made. The police have however informed the Deputy Speaker about an hour prior to the arrest," the MP said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 11

TripleX Wednesday, 25 December 2019 04:46 AM

Fools will exist until there are people to still listen to him. Be wise.

C.K.Lankaputhra Wednesday, 25 December 2019 04:52 AM

Were you so worried about the fatal accident where the traffic OIC, Sarathchandra, father of two children, of Borella Police was run over and killed by a Defender.

Jude Wednesday, 25 December 2019 05:51 AM

How did this case came to surface after 3 years!!! Someone complained!!?? Watta co-incident!!! Huh!!!

Jude Wednesday, 25 December 2019 05:57 AM

I'LL reiterate!! That since Easter Sunday attacks I DON'T have any regard for any POLITICIAN in SL !! The police HAVE load of unsolved crimes!! But the police have become puppets!! Last few years how many high-ranked Police officers incarcerated for criminal activities!!! Huh!!

lion Wednesday, 25 December 2019 06:27 AM

news appointed judge who could judge anything and every thing.

anura nanayakkara Wednesday, 25 December 2019 07:03 AM

Very Good explanation by Udaya Gammanpila !! Why would Champaka Ranawaka try to conceal the truth !! In any other country he would have to resign from his post !!

SL Thief Wednesday, 25 December 2019 07:22 AM

Have you paid back what you stole from the Schedicks?

Kingsley Wijesinhe Wednesday, 25 December 2019 08:27 AM

This failed politician keeps making public statements about an ongoing case? Isn't this contempt of court? I thought a matter before court is sub judice and may not be discussed in public.

Sugandh Thomas Wednesday, 25 December 2019 08:55 AM

Is this thug a lawyer for the accident victim or works for the CID, AG’s office... ????? Just a pure thug.

malij Wednesday, 25 December 2019 08:57 AM

This man's obsession over this case clearly shows the political involvement.

Kumar Wednesday, 25 December 2019 11:30 PM

If the incidence is more than a traffic accident then release the video for every body to see. From what I saw it wasn't a front end collision. In the normal world it was a side swipe of the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Usually in situations like this the person is take before a court and bail granted. In this case the government's intent was clear.

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It wasn’t a mere traffic offence: Gammanpila

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