Court Orders Harak Kata's Transfer to High-Security Prison

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court ordered that organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias “Harak Kata”, be transferred to a suitable high-security prison.

The order was issued when the case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala.

The case has been filed against Harak Kata and four other accused over allegations that they conspired to facilitate an escape while being held in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

On July 30, the High Court Judge ruled that the charges against the accused could not be maintained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The judge further held that any charges against the defendants should instead be filed under the Penal Code.

Delivering the order on that occasion, the High Court Judge stated that if amended indictments were to be filed against the accused, the Attorney General should inform the court accordingly.

When the case was taken up today, the Attorney General informed court that an appeal would be filed against the ruling delivered last week.

After considering the submissions made, the judge fixed August 20 to deliver an order regarding the bail applications filed by the accused.

As the charges previously filed against the defendants under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have now been removed in accordance with the court's ruling, Judge Ragala further directed authorities to take steps to transfer Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias “Harak Kata”, who is currently being held under detention at the old Tangalle Prison, to a suitable prison with the necessary security arrangements.