The first prosecution witness in the case against former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the court today that Ranawaka was the driver of the vehicle involved in a 2016 accident in Rajagiriya that seriously injured a youth, Sangeeth Sampath.
The case, filed against Ranawaka and three others on charges of concealing evidence related to a reckless driving incident, was taken up before the Colombo High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli.
The first witness gave evidence under the direction of Deputy Solicitor General Yohan Abeywickrama. He told the court that he was riding a motorbike with a friend when he noticed smoke ahead and suspected an accident. Upon reaching the scene, he identified the injured person and helped arrange transport to the hospital.
The witness said he later followed a vehicle that bystanders had identified as involved in the accident. He and his friend overtook the jeep and stopped it. He told the court that he approached the vehicle, opened the passenger-side door, and attempted to confront the driver.
Describing the driver, the witness said he was tall and dressed in a black shirt and sunglasses. Initially, he did not recognize the individual. However, he testified that the driver identified himself, saying, “I am Patali Champika. Come with me to the Borella Police Station.”
During proceedings, President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanne, appearing for Ranawaka, raised a preliminary objection, noting that a related case had already been heard before a Magistrate’s Court, where another accused had pleaded guilty and was sentenced. The Deputy Solicitor General responded that the Magistrate’s Court case did not affect the current High Court proceedings.
When asked in court to identify the driver, the witness pointed to Ranawaka in the dock and confirmed that he was the person he saw on the day of the accident.
The witness was later cross-examined by President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, who appeared for another accused, Dilum Thusitha Kumara.
The Colombo High Court adjourned further hearings until tomorrow.
The new revision in electricity tariffs will affect the poor dearly -Champika
