Ranwala's Driving License Suspended

 In connection with the road accident that occurred on the 11th in the Sapugaskanda, Denimulla area, injuring three people including a small infant, Maha Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe yesterday (19) afternoon ordered the temporary suspension of the driving license of former Speaker and Gampaha District Parliamentarian of the National People's Power party, Mr. Ashoka Ranwala.

The Magistrate also ordered that the suspect MP be presented to the National Transport Medical Institute to check his fitness to drive and submit a relevant report to the court.

It was revealed in court that the suspect MP did not appear before the court as he is currently hospitalized and receiving inpatient treatment, and therefore, a lawyer appeared on his behalf to present facts. Police informed the court that although blood and urine samples taken while the suspect was hospitalized were sent to the Government Analyst to confirm whether he was intoxicated at the time of the accident, the relevant report has not yet been received.

The lawyer appearing for the suspect stated that arrangements were made to provide an initial payment of Rs. 50,000 to the woman who suffered a leg injury in the accident, and Rs. 25,000 each to the injured infant and mother. Although the court cannot issue an order regarding compensation amounts as this case is still ongoing,

the Magistrate pointed out that there would be no objection from the court if the complainant party wishes to accept the said relief amount. However, the husband of the woman who suffered severe leg injuries informed the court that he is not prepared to accept that amount.

Considering the suspect MP's continued hospitalization, the Magistrate inquired from the police as to which party was injured in the accident. Police confirmed that three individuals from the complainant party were injured and hospitalized in the accident, prompting the Magistrate to question why the suspect, who was not injured, is still hospitalized. In response, the defense lawyer stated that his client is receiving inpatient treatment due to his poor health condition. After considering the facts, the court ordered the case to be recalled on January 16th next year.