Public anger grows as police admit procedural concerns over the delayed alcohol test following a road accident involving a former Speaker and sitting MP.
Controversy has emerged over the failure to conduct an immediate alcohol test on former Speaker and National People’s Power MP Asoka Ranwala following his involvement in a road accident in Sapugaskanda, prompting questions about police procedure and accountability.
Responding to media queries, Police Spokesperson F.U. Wootler acknowledged that there is concern regarding how duties were carried out by the Officer in Charge of the Sapugaskanda Police. Sri Lanka Police have faced strong criticism for not administering a breathalyser test immediately after the accident, which occurred on Thursday night.
MP Ranwala was arrested only yesterday afternoon, more than twelve hours after the incident, while he was receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital. The collision took place in the Denimulla area of Sapugaskanda when the jeep driven by the MP crashed into a car.
A 25 year old woman, her six month old infant, and her 55 year old mother who were travelling in the car sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital. Following the incident, police launched a formal investigation and took both vehicles involved into custody. In addition to the jeep and the car, a motorcycle believed to be connected to the accident has also been taken into police custody. A resident who witnessed the incident claimed that the jeep struck the car after first colliding with the motorcycle.
Police confirmed that the MP, two women, and the infant were all hospitalised after the accident. Mr Wootler stated that officers from the Sapugaskanda Police Station visited the Kiribathgoda Hospital to record a statement from the MP. However, neither a statement nor an alcohol test was obtained at that time due to his medical condition.
At a media briefing, the spokesman said that two injured individuals, including the former Speaker, were later transferred to the Colombo National Hospital, while the infant remains under treatment at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital.
He added that medical reports have been requested to determine whether the drivers were under the influence of alcohol. Addressing concerns over delayed testing, he stated that blood tests conducted within 24 hours of an accident can still determine the presence of alcohol, and further legal action will follow based on those findings.
MP Ranwala was subsequently arrested on charges of dangerous driving and failing to prevent an accident.
