Filing a motion in Court, the Kollupitiya Police submitted that the lawyer who had allegedly assaulted the complainant had not so far given a statement to the police though he was ordered to do so. Police moved Court that an arrest warrant be issued against the lawyer.

Meanwhile, filing a motion on behalf of Mr. Asoka Samararatne, a group of lawyers including President’s Counsel C.R. de Silva, Tirantha Walaliyadda PC, Counsel Upul Jayasuriya, Asela Rekawa, Jayantha Dias Nanayakkara and Ms. Deemani Beddewela informed Court that his client was surrendering to Court and moved that he be released on bail. The defence maintained that Mr. Rajpal Abeynayake the complainant of this case had trespassed without having a ticket for the event and had an argument with their client.

The complainant had told police that he was assaulted by the lawyer when he made some comments about former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva at the function.

Meanwhile, the defence argued that Mr. Asoka Samararatne had been charged under the offences that could be referred to the mediation board.

However, police informed Court that they were objecting to release the suspect on bail since he did not make a statement to the police.

Having considered the submissions, the Magistrate observed that Court can release the suspect on bail since there had not been sufficient reasons to refuse bail in accordance with the section 14 (1) of the Bail Act. Accordingly, Mr. Asoka Samararatne was released on a surety bail of Rs.25,000 and he was ordered to make a statement before Kollupitiya Police.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka