'Harak Kata' Seeks Court Order For Medical Treatment

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court rejected a bail application filed by Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias "Harak Kata", and two other accused in a case where they are charged with conspiring to escape while in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

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

When the case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala, the Judge noted that the Attorney General had filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal against a previous court order which had held that the charges filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act could not be maintained against the accused.

The Judge stated that, in light of the pending appeal, the bail application would be rejected.

Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias "Harak Kata", was produced before open court via an online link.

Addressing the Judge, he stated that he was suffering from health issues and that prison officials had informed him that he could not be taken to a hospital for treatment without a court order.

Here's a translation of the statement made by Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias "Harak Kata" :

"Your Lordship, I suffer from arthritis. Due to a condition affecting my leg, I am having difficulty walking. Even the doctor who visits me at prison has said that fluid has accumulated in my knee. However, I am told that a court order is required for me to be taken to a hospital for treatment. Your Lordship, I cannot even bend my leg properly to go to the toilet. Therefore, I respectfully request that appropriate orders be made to enable me to obtain medical treatment."

After considering the submissions, High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala instructed the Court Registrar to notify the Welikada Prison to take steps to provide the accused with the necessary medical treatment.

The case has been filed against five accused: Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, also known as "Harak Kata"; former CID constable Ravidu Sandeepa Gunasekara; Dinesh Tharanga; Ruwan Chamara, also known as "Midigama Ruwan"; and Sanjeewa Abeysinghe.

The case is scheduled to be called again on December 17.