Former Minister Patali Champika released on bail

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka was released on bail today after being produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Kanchanaa Niranjana. MP Ranawaka was brought to courts today in a prison van amidst special security. The bail application filed by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka on the 19th was taken up at the Colombo Magistrate Court today. The Additional Magistrate Kanchana Neranjana de Silva, who considered the contents of the complaint, stated that there is no clear reason to grant bail as per the basic provisions of the Bail Act. However, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris representing the plaintiff, said the factors must be further considered. He cited that facts pertaining to the use of a ministry vehicle by Minister of Power and Energy and returning it 10 months after the incident must be considered. However, the additional magistrate said that those reasons were not sufficient to grant bail. Attorneys representing the defendant pointed out that such a vehicle could be used when one minister works in two ministries. The Deputy Solicitor General said that investigations in this regard must be carried out under the Public Property Act. The Additional Magistrate then questioned if the Attorney General has directed to do so, Responding to the Additional Magistrate, the Deputy Solicitor General said the instructions are yet to be given. Considering facts presented by both parties, the Additional Magistrate ordered to release the former minister on a cash bail of Rs 25,000/- & two sureties of Rs 500,000 /- each. The court further ordered him to appear at the Colombo Crimes Division every last Sunday of the month. Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka was also advised not to interfere with the prosecution's witnesses. Meanwhile, Dilum Thusitha, the alleged driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident was presented before courts today. The Magistrate ordered him to be remanded until the 6th of January. The Additional Magistrate considered the request made by him to record a statement and ordered to do so on the 26th of this month. The court also allowed Pradeep Alwis to provide a statement based on a request made. Patali Champika Ranawaka was welcomed by the masses, opposite the court complex amidst religious observances. A large group, including MP Sajith Premadasa and several other parliamentarians, were among those present. Patali Champika Ranawaka stated that he is grateful for the independent police and judiciary. He added that however, certain factions tried to violate the system and added that they will continue our struggle to further strengthen democracy. "Handcuffs and prison bars will not stop us," MP concluded. Attorney-at-law Guneratne Wanninayaka, The attorney representing the defendant noted that this was a simple case and usually in a traffic case like this bail is granted at the first attempt. He added that this was, however, was political vengeance. Sajith Premadasa stated that the public does not need political vengeance but them to be served. He added that the government has the opportunity to serve justice it's the other way. He went on to note that they are prepared to face everything as a strong opposition. After Patali Champika Ranawaka left the court premises, several civil and political activists expressed their views. Chameera Perera, Convener of the Left Center stated that the government obtained the public mandate with the promise to look into Central Bank bond scam and April 21st attacks, but today a motor accident has become the national issue. UNP MP Ajith P.Perera that the accident had been already sorted and the insurance company has already compensated for both parties. This case has been filed under the public property act, claiming MP Ranwaka had created a loss for the government. He added that even though the Attorney General had given permission to continue the investigations, he had not permitted to press charges under the public property act. He went on to note that it was later added by the police and clearly this is carried out harass and remand MP Ranawaka. Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe, National Organizer of Jathika Hela Urumaya noted that Patali Champika was forcefully arrested, violating parliamentary procedure, without informing the speaker or the deputy speaker. He added that they will inform the International Human Rights Organization and they are already in the process of informing the commonwealth as well. He went on to note that the speaker is working on the matter as well. Former Minister Patali Champika who was released on bail visited the Jayasekararamaya in Rajagiriya and engaged in religious observances. Ven. Rajawatte Vappa Thero, Anunayaka of the Amarapura Saddammavansha noted that the remanding of Patali Champika was carried out to sabotage his future. Thero advised him to continue his work honest and justful manner no matter how many difficulties he has to face. The Former Minister also expressed his gratitude towards his supporters that had gathered at the premises.

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