Warrant ordered for former Speaker Asoka Ranwala after he misses road-accident hearing; charge sheet filed
Regarding Asoka Ranwala
What happened?
When the case over the 11 December 2025 Sapugaskanda collision was called on 13 March 2026, Ranwala was absent. Mahara Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe ordered a warrant for his arrest and production in court. The Sapugaskanda Police Traffic Branch filed a charge sheet the same day listing failing to prevent a collision, reckless driving, causing serious and minor injuries, and operating an unroadworthy vehicle resulting in severe harm.
Ranwala had been arrested on 12 December 2025 and granted Rs. 200,000 cash bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate's Court. The reports give no reason for his absence and carry no statement from Ranwala or his lawyers.
What changed?
The case moved from an arrest and bail to a filed charge sheet, and the court ordered a warrant over his non-appearance. A warrant for non-appearance is not an arrest and the charges are allegations that have not been tested in court. None of the reports found says whether the warrant was executed or recalled.
What happens next?
The case was put off to 10 July. The reports do not state the year, and no report of that hearing or of the warrant's outcome has been found.
The case
People involved
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