Hemal assaulted me because my name was not in your reviews - Film critic Lakmini

Popular actor Hemal Ranasinghe, who was arrested in connection with an alleged assault incident that took place on January 08 at the Havelock City Cinema Complex, was released on bail yesterday (03) after being produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate's Court. The arrest was made by the Wellawatta Police based on a complaint filed by Mr. Lakmina Ranasinghe, an advertising designer and film critic.

The complaint stated that the assault occurred when Mr. Lakmina, who writes film reviews, saw Hemal, due to anger stemming from Hemal not being mentioned in his review of the film 'Maria'.

When the suspect was produced before the court, Mount Lavinia Magistrate Mr. Pasan Amarasena, after considering the facts, ordered the actor's release on a personal bail of one hundred thousand rupees. The Wellawatta Police, reporting the facts of the incident to the court, stated that investigations into the matter have been completed through CCTV footage from the relevant location.

Here, attorney Indika Weragoda, appearing for the suspect Mr. Hemal Ranasinghe, stated before the court that his client did not commit any assault. The defense emphasized that his client has been continuously underestimated and inconvenienced by the reviews made by the complainant on social media, and that on the day of the incident, when the two met face-to-face, only a pulling of the hand occurred, with the words "Lakmina, come, let's talk." The lawyer also pointed out that there is a possibility of settling the matter.

However, Senior Counsel Ajith Pathirana, appearing for the complainant Mr. Lakmina Ranasinghe, stated to the court that the assault occurred due to the suspect not being mentioned in a review of the film 'Maria'. The lawyer mentioned that his client was assaulted on his head and neck in front of his wife and child, and as a result, had to be hospitalized for inpatient treatment. The complainant further stated that the nature of the hand-pulling is confirmed by CCTV footage, and that the suspect has committed similar acts before.

After hearing the submissions from both parties, the Magistrate issued the bail order, and the case was scheduled to be called again on May 14.