Rajagiriya motor accident case: SC suspends High Court trial against Champika

The Supreme Court today issued an interim order suspending Colombo High Court trial proceedings against Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka in connection with Rajagiriya motor accident case.

This interim order will be effective until March 16 next year. 

Meanwhile, Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, A.H.M.D. Nawaz and Achala Wengappuli granted leave to proceed with the appeal petition filed by Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Former Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka filed this appeal challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to reject his revision application regarding the alleged motor accident that took place in 2016 at Rajagiriya. 

Ranawaka had raised preliminary objections before High Court, on the basis that the incident pertaining to the subject matter in the indictment has been gone into the Magistrates Court and his driver has already pleaded guilty and therefore the High Court has no jurisdiction proceed the indictments.

The Colombo High Court had held that although the charges in the Magistrates Court and the High Court emanate from the same incident the Criminal Procedure Code has made provision for suspects to be charged for every distinct offence.

The indictment comprising 16 charges had been filed against MP Patali Champika, his driver Thusith Dilum Kumara and former officer In Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station Sudath Asmadala on charges of fabricating false evidence, causing disappearance of evidence, giving false information, a public servant framing an incorrect record.

Faisz Musthapa, PC with counsel Keerthi Tillekararne appeared for Parliamentarian Champika Ranawaka.

Additional Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysuriya appeared for the Attorney General.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)