Colombo Night Race competitor released

President’s Counsel C. R. De Silva appearing for the driver of the vehicle bearing registration No 18-5424 submitted that the suspect Dandeniyage Kamal Mohan Perera of 101, Buthgamuwa Rajagiriya, who is an expatriate Sri Lankan had caused the accident to seven road workers who were engaged in digging trenches at Cinnamon Gardens near the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

Mr. Silva said on December 12 around 12.45 a.m. while his client was practicing to take part in the Colombo Night Races had met with the accident.

He said due to the accident seven men had sustained injuries of varying degrees. He said that his client was willing to compensate the victims according to the severity of the injuries. He also undertook to foot the bills for victims for the treatment they take for the injuries.

Cinnamon Gardens Police said the accident was caused due to the reckless and negligent manner the vehicle was driven by the accused. They said if the victims were compensated they would not object releasing the driver on bail.

Magistrate Jeyaraman Trotsky ordered the suspect to pay Rs 100,000 to S. M. Ratnapala, to pay Rs 50,000 each to L. A. Podi Mahatmaya; and S. Ramachandran; Rs 25,000 each to Jayaratna Sujeewa, B. M. Hemantha Kumara, M. J. Samarasuriya, and R.Rajendran.

The Magistrate released the suspect on Rs. 200,000 personal bail with two sureties. The suspect was restrained from leaving the country and ordered to surrender the passport to court. (T. Farook Thajudeen)