The case relating to a road accident involving a jeep driven by former Speaker and National People’s Power MP Asoka Ranwala, in which three people were injured, was taken up for hearing at the Mahara Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (19).
It was noted that the medical report, including urine and blood test results of Ranwala, was once again not submitted to court. Police informed the court that the relevant medical report has been forwarded to the Government Analyst, but the results have not yet been received.
During proceedings, counsel for the defence informed court that an initial relief payment of Rs. 50,000 could be provided to the woman who sustained serious injuries to her leg, while Rs. 25,000 each could be paid to the injured infant and the child’s mother.
Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe stated that as the case is still under hearing, a decision on compensation cannot be made at this stage. However, if the complainant party is willing to accept the proposed relief payment, the court would not intervene in that process.
In response, the husband of the woman who suffered severe leg injuries informed court that they were not prepared to accept the money.
Meanwhile, the Magistrate questioned police regarding Ranwala’s continued hospitalisation, asking whether the injuries from the accident were sustained by the complainant party or the suspect.
Sapugaskanda Police officers responding to the query said that those travelling in the complainant party’s vehicle were injured and hospitalised.
The Magistrate then questioned why the suspect remained hospitalised despite not having sustained injuries. Defence counsel replied that Ranwala was still receiving treatment as his physical condition had not fully stabilised.
After considering the facts, Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe ordered that Ashoka Ranwala’s driving licence be temporarily suspended.
The court also directed that once discharged from hospital, Ranwala should undergo a fitness assessment at the National Transport Medical Institute and submit the relevant report to court.
The case is scheduled to be taken up again on 16 January 2026.
