Patali’s driver wants to make statement in camera

MP Patali Champika Ranawaka’s driver yesterday requested an opportunity to provide a confidential statement before Colombo Additional Magistrate Kanchana Neranjana Silva.

On January 6, Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court released MP Patali’s driver, Thusitha Dilum Kumara on bail.

When the case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Kanchana Neranjana Silva, representing the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris raised objections on granting bail to the suspect.

DSG Dileepa Peiris informed court the investigations were still underway and statements need to be recorded from a large number of witnesses and therefore, releasing the suspect on bail would pose an obstruction to the progress of the investigations.

However, the suspect was released on two sureties of Rs.250,000 each and was ordered to report to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on the final Tuesday of every month.

Thusitha Dilum Kumara is the second suspect in the case filed against MP Patali Champika Ranawaka over a motor accident which took place in Rajagiriya in 2016.

The case will be taken up again on February 24, 2020. (Yoshitha Perera)