Hit-and-run case HC fixes trial against MP Patali Champika for May 31

• Preliminary objections against the indictment are scheduled to be taken up on April 27

By Farook Thajudeen and Yoshitha Perera   

The Colombo High Court yesterday fixed the case filed against former Minister Patali Champika and two others over an alleged motor accident that occurred on February 28, 2016, for trial on May 31, 2021.  The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Damith Thotawatta.   

The case was filed against three accused former Minister Ranawaka, his driver Thusith Dilum Kumara and Assistant Superintendent of Police Sudath Asmadala, on charges of fabricating and concealing evidence.   
The indictments including 16 charges were filed against all three accused on charges of fabricating false evidence, a conspiracy of fabricating evidence and submitting false reports to the Court.   The main charge is related to conspiring and fabricating false evidence to claim that it was Dilum Thusith Kumara who was driving the vehicle which caused the accident and another charge relates to him allegedly conspiring to conceal evidence in order to protect MP Patali Champika from legal action.