Image: Chaminda Wijesiri
Badulla, June 24: The Badulla High Court has postponed the sentencing of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chaminda Wijesiri and two co-accused, who were found guilty on multiple charges, including assaulting police officers, causing injuries, issuing death threats, and obstructing the administration of justice.
The order was issued on June 24 when the case was taken up before Badulla High Court Judge Jeyaram Trotsky.
Following extensive proceedings and a review of the evidence presented, the court found MP Wijesiri and his driver, Bandula Ratnayake, guilty on four charges. A third accused, Rasika Karunathilaka, a police officer attached to the Ministerial Security Division at the time of the incident, was convicted on three charges.
During the hearing, the court was informed that Bandula Ratnayake, the first accused in the case, had passed away. In view of this development, Judge Trotsky ordered that sentencing for the remaining convicted individuals be deferred until July 28.
Incident Stemming from 2019 Clash in Bandarawela
The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on February 10, 2019, near the Bandarawela town roundabout.
According to the prosecution, MP Wijesiri and a group accompanying him were travelling in a convoy of vehicles when a police jeep attached to the Police Narcotics Bureau attempted to overtake their vehicle. The manoeuvre allegedly triggered a confrontation between the two parties.
The court heard that the accused subsequently blocked the path of the police vehicle, unlawfully restrained the two police officers travelling in it, threatened them with death, and physically assaulted them, causing serious injuries.
The case has attracted significant public attention over the years due to the involvement of a sitting parliamentarian and allegations of interference with law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.
With the verdict now delivered, the Badulla High Court is expected to determine the appropriate punishments for the convicted parties when sentencing is handed down on July 28.