The Court of Appeal has issued an interim restraining order, effectively putting a halt to the proceedings of a high-profile case involving former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. The case in question revolves around allegations of reckless driving and causing a serious accident in the Rajagiriya area in 2016.

The restraining order, handed down by a bench consisting of Justice Nishanka Bandula Karunaratne and Chamath Morayas, President of the Court of Appeal, stipulates that these interim measures will remain in effect until the completion of the petition hearing.

The Court of Appeal's decision to issue the restraining order comes in response to a petition submitted by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, seeking intervention in the proceedings at the Colombo High Court. The specifics of the petition and the grounds on which the former minister sought the court's intervention are yet to be disclosed.