MP Chandana Sooriyarachchi Granted Bail Following Panagoda Accident

09-Oct-2026

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The Homagama Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to National People’s Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Chandana Sooriyarachchi, who was arrested in connection with a road accident in the Panagoda area after allegedly failing to avoid a collision involving his car and a pedestrian.

The magistrate ordered the MP, who is the suspect in the case, to be released on personal bail of Rs. 100,000.

The accident occurred at approximately 10.50 p.m. on 7 October 2026 in Panagoda, Homagama, when a pedestrian crossing the road collided with the vehicle driven by Sooriyarachchi, an NPP MP representing the Colombo District.

The pedestrian sustained minor injuries and was admitted to Homagama Base Hospital.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 64-year-old man was returning home after attending a wedding in Athurugiriya with a group of people. Police received information suggesting that the pedestrian had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Nevertheless, Athurugiriya Police arrested Sooriyarachchi on suspicion of failing to prevent the accident.

Later that night, the MP was produced before the Judicial Medical Officer at Kalubowila Hospital. A medical examination confirmed that he was not under the influence of alcohol.

He was subsequently produced before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court, which ordered his release on personal bail of Rs. 100,000.

Witnesses said they had heard a loud noise at the time of the accident. When they came outside to investigate, they saw a man lying on the ground, after which a minor commotion broke out.

Athurugiriya Police are continuing further investigations into the incident.