The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (22) ordered the adjournment of the case involving Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna due to a discrepancy in identifying the correct suspect.
The case has been postponed until February 3.
MP Archchuna appeared before the court through a motion, however, the Anuradhapura Police had mistakenly named the accused as “Arjuna Lochan.”
However, the driver’s license presented to the court is under the name of “Ramanathan Archchuna”.
As a result, the court had directed that the correct suspect be identified and reported back to the court,- according to the MP’s attorney.-update
The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to continue investigations into allegations against Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Archuna Ramanathan for obstructing police duties. The court directed authorities to report their findings by February 3.
Dr. Ramanathan may face arrest over the incident, according to Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga.
Incident Details
The confrontation occurred in the Rambewa area when police stopped Dr. Ramanathan’s vehicle, which was reportedly equipped with unauthorized VIP lights. Police allege the MP refused to cooperate when questioned. A heated exchange ensued, prompting the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court to issue an arrest order.
The MP claimed he could not be stopped as he was en route to a parliamentary session. Reports suggest the vehicle’s use of unauthorized lights and manner of driving created obstructions for other road users.
Authorities are also investigating remarks made by Dr. Ramanathan during the incident, which allegedly challenged police actions and escalated tensions.
Previous Controversies
Since entering Parliament, Dr. Ramanathan has been no stranger to controversy. On his first day in office, he sat in the seat reserved for the Leader of the Opposition and initially refused to move, despite polite requests. He later issued an apology for his actions.
Civil society activists have also lodged complaints against Dr. Ramanathan, accusing him of making racially insensitive comments.
Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said that ‘the law applies to everyone equally including parliamentarians ,how ever what ever said and done he has been elected by the peoples vote and we will have to deal with this probleam for the next five years’
Background
Before his political career, Dr. Ramanathan served as the Medical Superintendent of the Chavakachcheri Base Hospital. He gained public attention in July 2024 by exposing hospital irregularities on social media, earning widespread praise for driving systemic changes in healthcare operations.
In November 2024, Dr. Ramanathan successfully contested the parliamentary elections as an independent candidate representing the Jaffna District.
