COLOMBO — National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Chandana Sooriyaarachchi was taken into custody by the Athurugiriya Police on Tuesday morning following a serious road accident in the Medamandiya area of Panagoda.
The incident, which occurred early today, involved a vehicle driven by the 50-year-old lawmaker. According to preliminary reports from local law enforcement, the MP’s car struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the roadway.
The victim, a 65-year-old man identified as a resident of Nival Kandura, Hummanduwa, in Wellawaya, sustained injuries during the collision. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the victim was rushed to the Homagama Base Hospital to receive urgent medical care. Authorities have not yet released a detailed update on the victim’s current medical condition, though sources indicate he remains under observation at the facility.
Police officials confirmed that the Parliamentarian remained at the scene following the accident and was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of causing injuries through negligent driving. The Athurugiriya Police have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether speed or visibility factors played a role in the incident.
“The suspect, who is a sitting member of Parliament, has been arrested in connection with the traffic accident,” a police spokesperson stated. “Following standard protocol, he will be processed by the department before being produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court later today.”
As the news of the arrest spread, the incident drew immediate attention given the prominent political affiliation of the suspect. The NPP, which has been campaigning on a platform of transparency and accountability, has yet to issue a comprehensive official statement regarding the conduct of the MP or the details of the ongoing investigation.
The Kaduwela Magistrate is expected to review the facts of the case during the afternoon session. Legal experts suggest that while the investigation is in its infancy, the court will likely focus on whether the MP was operating the vehicle within legal parameters at the time of the collision.
Road safety advocates have noted that the stretch of road in Panagoda has been a site of concern for local residents, who have long called for enhanced pedestrian crossing measures to prevent such accidents. Police are urging witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage of the incident to contact the Athurugiriya Police station to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Further updates are expected as the legal proceedings move forward in the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.
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