News Today: Court Orders Medical Exam for Harak Kata

The Colombo High Court has ordered a detailed medical examination for Nandun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias Harak Kata, a suspected drug trafficker currently held at the Tangalle Special Prison. The order was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka following concerns raised by the defendant regarding his deteriorating health.

Appearing via video link from the prison, Wickramaratne informed the court that he has been suffering from several health issues, including severe hemorrhoids. He alleged that the treatment he has received so far was based on decisions made by the Officer-in-Charge of the Tangalle Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), rather than qualified medical professionals.

Taking the claims into account, the judge emphasized that “only the individual knows the true pain of illness,” and directed the Tangalle Judicial Medical Officer—or an officially designated medical officer—to examine the defendant and submit a comprehensive medical report to the court. Additionally, the Director of the TID was instructed to provide an official report on the detainee’s medical condition.

The case will be taken up again on May 28.

The Attorney General has filed a total of 22 charges against Harak Kata and two accomplices, one of whom is a former police constable. These charges include conspiracy and assisting in the accused’s attempted escape while under custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

This high-profile case continues to attract nationwide attention and raises serious concerns about prisoner rights and access to proper healthcare in Sri Lanka’s detention facilities.