In a major legal setback, the Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by the Attorney General seeking to quash the indictment against former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and two others. The ruling clears the way for a full trial to proceed.
The indictment centers around allegations of concealing evidence connected to a 2016 road accident in Rajagiriya, in which Patali is alleged to have played a role. The case has lingered in the public eye for years, drawing widespread attention due to the political stature of the accused.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, the Colombo High Court is now directed to resume proceedings based on the existing indictment effectively reviving a case many thought might quietly disappear.
The judgment was delivered by Justice S. Thurairajah, with unanimous agreement from Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justice Gamini Amarasekara, sending a clear message that the case will move forward despite attempts to halt it through legal appeals.
The verdict is a significant blow to Patali and his legal team, and all eyes are now on the High Court as the trial is set to recommence.
