The Police Constable accused of assaulting Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake within the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court premises on October 10 was granted bail today, while the case was referred to the Mediation Board for possible settlement.
Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara ordered the release of Police Constable Tharinda Dilhara on two surety bonds of Rs. 100,000 each, directing both parties to explore reconciliation through mediation.
Police Inspector H.T.M. Tushara informed the court that investigations so far had not uncovered clear evidence of a physical assault, and that CCTV footage from the courthouse had been requested. However, it was revealed that the court’s CCTV system is currently non-functional.
Lawyers representing the aggrieved party told the court that there are video recordings showing the suspect admitting to the assault, while the defence countered that videos circulating on social media may have been digitally manipulated, citing the potential use of artificial intelligence tools.
The constable, who was remanded until October 13 following his October 10 arrest, was accused of attacking the attorney during a dispute over the removal of a vehicle from the court premises.
A large number of lawyers from both the Colombo and Mount Lavinia Bar Associations attended the hearing. Meanwhile, a group of supporters gathered outside the courthouse to welcome the police officer as he was released on bail.
