Chamika Karunaratne opposes DNA test, case fixed for January 30
– Counsel appearing for cricketer Chamika Karunaratne raised objections to a request by a female pilot who sought a court order to obtain a DNA report to establish the paternity of her child.The case filed by the female pilot against Karunaratne seeking an order directing him either to marry her or, failing that, to pay maintenance for the child, was taken up before court when counsel for the complainant made the request for a DNA test.
Chamika Karunaratne, who is cited as the respondent, was released on a surety bail of Rs. 100,000.The complaint was filed by a woman identified as Sewwandi Senadheera, who claims she is a pilot.In her complaint, she has informed court that she had maintained a relationship with Chamika Karunaratne with the expectation of marriage and that she now has a child as a result of that relationship.
Counsel Jerusa Tambaiyah appearing for the complainant requested court to order a DNA test to determine paternity.
Appearing on behalf of the respondent, counsel Asela Rekawa submitted that court cannot compel the obtaining of a DNA report and that the burden of proof lies with the complainant. He informed court that the respondent rejects the request for a DNA test and denies paternity.Counsel for the respondent further stated that the complainant had taken photographs with another Indian pilot during the period she was pregnant. The complainant has previously requested court to order the respondent to either marry her or, if not, to pay maintenance for the child, alleging that he abandoned her and the child after failing to marry her despite earlier promises.
After considering the submissions made by both parties, the magistrate fixed the case to be called again on January 30.
