A sensational courtroom drama unfolded in Colombo as Sri Lanka cricketer Chamika Karunaratne was released on bail after firmly denying paternity in a high-profile case that now heads toward a decisive legal battle.
Sri Lanka international cricketer Chamika Karunaratne was released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court following a private complaint filed by a woman claiming to be a former pilot, who alleges that he is the father of her child. The ruling was delivered by Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Dissanayake after tense arguments were presented by both legal teams.
The complainant, Sewwandi Senaratne, informed the court that she had been in a relationship with the respondent and that a child was born from that relationship. She further stated that Chamika Karunaratne has refused to accept paternity and has rejected all responsibility toward the child. Based on these claims, she formally requested the court to issue an order to determine the paternity of the child and sought approval for a DNA test.
The case was taken up on December 08, where Attorney Jerusha Tambiah, representing the complainant, told the court that her client had a child as a result of a sexual relationship with the cricketer. She emphasized that since the respondent continues to deny paternity, the only way to establish the truth is through a DNA test. The lawyer argued that the Magistrate has the authority to issue such an order based on an earlier Court of Appeal judgment.
However, strong objections were raised by Attorney Asela Rekawa, appearing on behalf of Chamika Karunaratne. He categorically denied the allegations and stated that his client does not accept paternity of the child. The defense further informed court that at the time the child was allegedly conceived, the complainant had been in a relationship with an Indian national. A photograph was submitted as part of this claim.
The defense also argued that the Magistrate’s Court does not have the legal authority to compel a DNA test and insisted that the burden of proof lies entirely with the complainant.
After evaluating the submissions made by both parties, the Magistrate ordered the release of Chamika Karunaratne on personal bail of Rs. 1 million. The case was subsequently fixed for further hearing on January 30.
This developing legal controversy has triggered widespread public interest, placing both celebrity accountability and legal precedent under intense national scrutiny.
