Colombo, Oct. 24 (Daily Mirror) - A complaint was lodged on October 22 with the relevant authorities by the legal team of former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, raising concerns over the alleged misuse of provisions of the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, the expenditure of public funds, and possible improper interference in matters relating to witnesses.
The complaint, submitted by Senior Attorney-at-Law Shiral Lakthilaka, is to be handed over by Attorneys-at-Law Rajika Kodithuwakku and Thikshana Gammanpila to the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses and the Attorney General’s Department.
The complaint arises from testimony given in court on 19 October 2026 in connection with case No. HC 1824/20, currently being heard before the Colombo High Court.
According to the complaint, although the witness had previously informed court, through his lawyers, that he was unable to travel to Sri Lanka to testify at the original trial, approximately Rs. 450,000 in air travel and related expenses had reportedly been incurred using public funds to bring him from Germany to Sri Lanka. The complaint raises questions regarding the expenditure and the arrangements made to facilitate the witness’s journey.
In particular, during his testimony, the witness reportedly stated that he had not personally borne the cost of travelling from Germany to Sri Lanka to testify in the case. Instead, he identified the person who had paid the expenses as “Mr. Indika, the Director of the CCD.”
The complaint calls for a formal investigation into whether the legally prescribed procedures for obtaining testimony from witnesses residing overseas were followed, whether the relevant legal and financial regulations governing the use of public funds were complied with, and whether any aspect of the process affected the independence of the witness or the fairness of the judicial proceedings.
It further requests an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the matter, an audit of the use of public funds, and appropriate legal action against any individuals found responsible for violations of the law.
The position set out in the complaint is that the rule of law, the accountable use of public funds, and the independence of the judicial process must be safeguarded when dealing with witnesses in criminal proceedings.
The allegations and concerns raised in the complaint should not be treated as established facts before a proper investigation is conducted and the relevant evidence is examined. Accordingly, the relevant authorities are being urged to investigate the matters impartially and take any necessary action in accordance with the law.
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