A van driver arrested last month following a dramatic police chase in Ratmalana was granted bail today by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court after spending nearly a month in remand custody.
The suspect, Ruchira Bandara of Medirigiriya, was arrested on October 25 near the Golumadama Junction after allegedly failing to stop at a police checkpoint, prompting officers to pursue the vehicle and open fire. He faced multiple charges, including attempted murder, possession of a knife, possession of Madana Modaka, and several traffic-related offences.
Defence Counsel Jayaba Kalupahana argued that the police had not submitted any evidence to support the attempted murder charge under Section 300 of the Penal Code, noting that no victim had been identified.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate Pasan Amarasekera directed the police to present the required evidence for the attempted murder charge. Noting the absence of supporting material, the Magistrate granted bail.
Bandara was released on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each and placed under a travel ban. The magisterial inquiry is scheduled to continue on January 14 next year.
