“Harak Kata” to remain in custody under PTA until trial ends
Prominent underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, also known as “Harak Kata”, is to remain in custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) until the conclusion of legal proceedings, as per a detention order issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, the Attorney General informed the Colombo High Court today (Sep. 08).This submission was presented by Senior State Counsel Sajith Bandara, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, during today’s hearing before High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka.During a previous hearing, the State Counsel informed court that after the expiry of the initial detention order, the suspect would be produced in remand custody. However, due to security concerns, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense has decided to extend his detention under the PTA.
President’s Counsel Jaliya Samarasinghe, appearing for the suspect, strongly objected to the decision, pointing out that his client has already been held in detention for nearly two years. He argued that instead of continuing under PTA detention, the suspect should be placed in judicial remand custody.Regardless, the court was informed that “Harak Kata” will continue to be held under the custody of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) at the Old Tangalle Prison, in line with the Defense Secretary’s order.“Harak Kata” was presented before court via Zoom, and the case is to be taken up again on Sep. 24.
