Minister Vijith Herath Defends Ranwala, Reveals Accident Details

A senior minister of the Sri Lankan government made a statement last Wednesday defending Ashoka Ranwala, a Member of Parliament for the National People's Power (NPP) and former Speaker. He rejected allegations of political influence or driving under the influence of alcohol regarding a road accident on December 11, which injured three people, including a child.

Minister Vijitha Herath told journalists that the accident in Sapugaskanda was caused by a mechanical fault, specifically brake failure. Police confirmed last Tuesday that a vehicle inspection report from the Department of Motor Traffic identified a defect in Ranwala's jeep's braking system and that the vehicle had not been properly maintained.

The accident occurred around 7:30 PM at Denimulla Junction. According to Minister Herath, the vehicle first collided with a young man on a motorcycle, and then with a car carrying a 25-year-old woman, her 55-year-old mother, and a six-month-old infant.

MP Ranwala immediately swerved the vehicle to save the life of the young man on the motorcycle, Mr. Herath stated, adding that the MP's actions might have helped prevent a more serious tragedy.

The injured infant was admitted to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, while the two women and Mr. Ranwala received treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Minister Herath vehemently rejected social media reports alleging that Mr. Ranwala was intoxicated or that the government influenced the investigation. Herath stated that a breathalyzer test was not conducted at the scene of the accident – a lapse currently under an internal inquiry by the Inspector General of Police – but blood and urine samples were taken within 24 hours.

Mr. Ranwala himself has stated that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, Mr. Herath said. The results will be presented to the court, which will clearly show if alcohol was involved. Such findings cannot be altered or concealed.

Mr. Ranwala was arrested on December 12 on charges of reckless driving and failing to prevent an accident. He was later released on cash bail of Rs. 200,000 by the Maligakanda Magistrate's Court.

Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wuttler, stated last Wednesday that the final medical report from the Government Analyst's Department is still awaited before deciding whether to file additional charges.

The ruling NPP party has decided not to take any internal disciplinary action until the police investigations are concluded.