“It wasn’t a mere traffic offence” – Udaya Gammanpila

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila said today former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka was not arrested in connection with a mere traffic offence as claimed by UNP MPs but over several allegations.

He told a news briefing that UNP MPs Ajith P Perera and Nalin Bandara had said Mr. Ranawaka was remanded over a minor traffic offence which could have ended up in a fine.

“According to what transpired in Court, Mr. Ranawaka was arrested for reckless driving and other serious allegations levelled against him. Fleeing the scene of the accident, misguiding the Court by producing someone else as the one who drove the car at the time of the accident, threatening the witnesses, destroying evidence and obstructing the duties of the police personnel are other allegations against him. That’s why he was remanded,” Mr. Gammanpila said.

He said attempts were being made to intimidate the friends of the victim of the Rajagiriya accident to prevent them from giving evidence in Court.