A popular rugby player and a member of the elite Ratawatte family, Tarinda Ratwatte has been identified as the drunk driver who caused a fatal accident near the Thumulla junction on Thursday (11). The accident took the life of 22-year-old PC Alahapperuma who was one of the SIS officers who on Tuesday (09) foiled the Rs. 7.9 million robbery carried out at the National Hospital.
Ashan Ratwatte is said to be a grandson of late politician and military man Anuraddha Ratwatte. At the time of the incident, he had been driving under the influence of alcohol and at an excessive speed.
PC Alahapperuma and an SIS colleague, the same who had assisted him in nabbing the robber had been travelling in a motorbike at the time. The other PC is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital. According to hospital sources, his legs have suffered severe damage. The suspect has been remanded till June 15.
