The Government Analyst’s Department has stated that it has not been confirmed that former Speaker and MP Ashoka Ranwala was under the influence of alcohol at the time of a recent motor accident in which he was involved.
According to the department, laboratory tests conducted on blood and urine samples obtained following the accident did not confirm the presence of alcohol consumption.
Ashoka Ranwala was involved in a road accident on the evening of December 11 in the Denimulla Junction area of Sapugaskanda. The incident occurred when the jeep driven by Ranwala collided with a motorcycle and then crashed into a car, resulting in a multi-vehicle accident.
Three occupants of the car — a 25-year-old woman, her six-month-old infant, and a 55-year-old woman — sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment. The infant was later transferred to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children for further medical care. Ashoka Ranwala also sustained injuries in the accident and received hospital treatment.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation and arrested Ranwala on charges including reckless driving and failure to prevent an accident. He was produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on December 12 and was subsequently released on bail with a surety of Rs. 200,000.
Meanwhile, a report from the Department of Motor Traffic revealed that the jeep driven by Ranwala had a mechanical defect in its braking system. Police stated that the vehicle had not been properly maintained, and this factor is also being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
In addition, an internal police inquiry found procedural lapses in the manner the incident was initially handled at the Sapugaskanda Police Station. The Inspector General of Police has reportedly directed disciplinary action against officers found to have failed to follow due procedure.
