Range Bandara's son granted bail

Yashoda Range Bandara, son of State Minister Palitha Range Bandara, was today granted bail by the Chilaw Magistrate's Court over a traffic accident caused while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. 

Chilaw Magistrate Manjula Rathnayaka released him on a personal bail of Rs.50, 000 and also suspended the driving license of the suspect for the duration of the trial. 

Yashoda Range Bandara, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura Teaching Hospital for injuries sustained in the incident, was brought to court premises in an ambulance under guard by prison officers, and the Magistrate took up the case after first going over to the ambulance and checking the suspect. 

Mr Bandara and Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman Anjana Sandaruwan were injured after the double cab they were in smashed into a house at Bangadeniya-Kottapitiya Junction, along the Chilaw-Puttalam Main Road, around 12.50 a.m. on June 6.

When the case was taken up today, the attorney who appeared on behalf of Mr Range Bandara told court that his client was ready to compensate the owner of the house which sustained damage due to the crash. 

Arachchikattuwa Police have charged the suspect with reckless driving under the influence of liquor, misuse of state property and possession of illegal weapons. 

The case is due to be taken up again on June 28. 

Text and Pix by Augustine Fernando in Chilaw

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