Colombo High Court rejects bail for ‘Harak Kata’ and two co-accused

The Colombo High Court, on Thursday, rejected a bail application filed by Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias “Harak Kata”, and two other accused in a case over an alleged conspiracy to escape from the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

A separate application by the two co-accused seeking to be discharged from the case was also rejected.

When the case was taken up before High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala, the court was informed that the Attorney General had appealed against an earlier ruling which held that charges filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act could not be maintained against the accused.

The Judge said the bail application could not be allowed while that appeal remained pending before the Court of Appeal.

Wickramaratne appeared before court via video link and told the Judge that he was suffering from arthritis and a condition affecting his leg.

He said fluid had accumulated in his knee and that he was experiencing difficulty walking and bending his leg. Wickramaratne told court that prison officials had informed him that a court order was required for him to be taken to hospital for treatment.

After considering his request, Judge Ragala directed the Court Registrar to inform Welikada Prison to make arrangements for the necessary medical treatment.

The case has been filed against five accused: Wickramaratne; former CID constable Ravidu Sandeepa Gunasekara; Dinesh Tharanga; Ruwan Chamara, alias “Midigama Ruwan”; and Sanjeewa Abeysinghe.

The case will be called again on 17 December.