The family of three people injured in a car collision involving former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala has raised serious concerns over the impartiality and pace of the police investigation, fuelling renewed scrutiny over political privilege and impunity in Sri Lanka.
The collision took place in the Denimulla area on the night of 11 December and involved a vehicle reportedly driven by Mr Ranwala. A baby, his mother and grandmother were injured in the crash and admitted to hospital. The infant, Rion Sasmika, remains under observation at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo, pending further medical tests. His mother is still hospitalised following surgery for a fractured leg, while his grandmother, who sustained facial injuries, was discharged after treatment.
The family has questioned what they describe as a weak and delayed police response, particularly in relation to alcohol testing. According to the child’s father, although the collision occurred late on Thursday night, police only conducted blood and breath tests on Ranwala around midday on Friday — almost 14 hours later. He said police informed the family that such tests could be carried out within 72 hours of an incident, but questioned why there had been no urgency in a case involving a senior political figure.
The family has also raised concerns over a lack of transparency in the investigation, suggesting that Ranwala may have received preferential treatment. They have called for greater openness from police and equal application of the law, irrespective of political status.
Police media representatives have said Ranwala was first taken to hospital and treated for his injuries before being examined. However, as of the publication of a report in the Sunday Times, his vehicle had not yet been inspected by motor vehicle examiners. Ranwala was later taken into custody and charged with careless driving and failure to prevent an accident. A magistrate granted him bail of 200,000 rupees.
Official claims that the victims’ family received full assistance following the incident have been disputed. The family noted that no representatives of Ranwala’s party visited them while they were in hospital, despite opposition figures suggesting that support had been extended. Speaking to the media, the baby’s father said the family continued to “wait for justice” while the investigation progressed at what he described as a “painfully slow” pace.
The case helps sustain wider public debate in Sri Lanka over political privilege and unequal treatment before the law. Investigations involving senior politicians have repeatedly been accused of delays or procedural irregularities, reinforcing perceptions that powerful individuals are shielded from scrutiny.
The incident has drawn particular attention as it involves a member of the NPP, the current ruling party that has sought to project itself as reformist and anti-corruption.
For the victims’ family, however, the issue remains immediate and personal. They say their demand is simple: a fair, independent investigation that applies the law equally, regardless of political influence or standing.
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