Trial against ‘Harak Kata’ and two others is scheduled to begin on August 5 before Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka, who will hear fundamental objections presented by the defence lawyers regarding the indictment filed against the three accused, Nandun Chinthaka Wikramaratne (alias Harak Kata), who is alleged to be a leading drug trafficker and a notorious underworld gang leader, former Police Constable Ravindu Sandipa Gunasekara, and Dinesh Tharanga.

The judge ordered the ninth prosecution witness to appear in court on that day to give evidence for the petition and also instructed the defence lawyers to submit written bail applications on behalf of the accused.

The accused, currently held by the CID, face 22 counts including assaulting and attempting to flee from a police officer on duty on Sept 10, 2023, and aiding such actions. Sajith Bandara, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed the court that discussions were ongoing with the Attorney General on whether the trial would continue or if new charges would be filed, and the court would be informed accordingly.

Although the court has decided to hold a witness examination, Kapila Waidyarathna, senior counsel appearing for the first accused Nandun Chinthaka Wikramaratne, stated that submitting a petition regarding a new indictment was a serious injustice against the accused.

Despite a Magistrate’s Court order directing officials at the Terrorist Investigations Division (TID) to provide stationery to the first accused, who is held at the Tangalle old prison, the officers had not complied, Senior lawyer Jaliya Samarasinghe said.

The accused were brought before the court under heavy security.

By A.J.A. Abeynayake ✍️