![Gossip Lanka News [English]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYm2aFFq-bIW1nWX-RrqnPFoIsVos6_VCVz8BpLt0QJi55GNXHXC2fugeRvL0qUStEuCfs7Sfu6ZiSlhrkldxfGuE_wzy5gitY6rMZ2KSi8VBbGvkgXLks37RwZV-4-HKbWiNLRxB8C_r1e4z3mpxFTMPDJPEADoG8E-bZteWFipeD5KNGbjvCfqEfKw=s300 "Gossip Lanka News [English]")
On May 5th, Anuradhapura's Chief Magistrate, Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya, ordered several new legal actions related to the recent sexual assault and abduction case involving a female medical specialist from Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. The accused, a former soldier and Buddhist monk, Taranga Rathnayake, has been remanded once again.
According to court instructions, the valuable smart mobile phone belonging to the assaulted doctor, which was recovered as evidence, has been sent to the government forensic examiner. A detailed report on the phone's contents is expected to be presented to the court soon. Additionally, the court has extended Rathnayake’s remand period until May 19.
Rathnayake, a resident of Galnewa New Town, was also subjected to a prior DNA investigation, with the police directed to present their findings in court. He was formally brought before the court by Anuradhapura prison officials on the same day.
A key piece of evidence in this case is the victim’s ability to easily identify the accused during an earlier identification parade, which further strengthens the case against him. The investigation is being led by Nishani Senavirathna, the Head of the Child and Women’s Affairs Unit of Anuradhapura Police, with Police Officer A.C. Dayananda assisting the investigation.
Interestingly, the accused did not have legal representation in court. However, in defense of the victim's rights, a lawyer, Kalinda Induthissa, appeared on behalf of the prosecution.
As the trial continues, further medical and forensic reports will be presented to the court, and it is expected that additional evidence will emerge to support the gravity of the crime.
This case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the urgent need for strict legal measures and justice in cases of sexual assault, particularly in the medical field where professionals should feel safe and respected. The proceedings are expected to set an important precedent for similar cases in the future.