Skills Development and Vocational Training State Minister Palitha Range Bandara and another person were yesterday acquitted and released from a case by the Colombo High Court following the virtual complainant’s decision not to proceed with the case.
The Attorney General had filed indictments against State Minister Palitha Range Bandara and Jagath Kumara Liyanage for allegedly conspiring to present a vehicle registration permit for an illegally assembled vehicle.
When the case came up before Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga for further trial, the virtual complainant Dinesh Ratnayake informed that he has no intention to proceed with the case since he has now received the original vehicle registration permit from the defence.
In order to support his decision, the witness tendered an affidavit citing that he has no intention to proceed with the case.
Deputy Solicitor General Dilan Ratnayake appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed Court that prosecution was concluding evidence following the virtual complainant’s decision to withdraw the complaint.
Defence Counsel U.R. de Silva PC with Savithri Fernando and Bandula Wellala appearing for the accused moved Court their clients be acquitted and released from the case in terms of section 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
They further informed Court that defence was not expecting to call defence witnesses following the complainant’s decision.
Taking into consideration the facts, the High Court Judge ordered to acquit and release the two accused from the case in accordance with Ssection 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The High Court Judge observed that that there is no substantial evidence to establish the commission of the offence against the accused at this stage.