How Palitha Senarath Yapa saved me nearly Rs. 100,000

It’s a misconception that Indian bikes aren’t hardy. It’s also a misconception that Toyota cars are more enduring. I am no mechanical expert. But here’s my experience.

It was Kumar Sangakkara’s 100th Test match. He was supposed to attend a media briefing at SLC on the eve of the match. The game was at SSC.

I was running late for the press conference.  This was in 2011 and Maitland Place wasn’t one way.  So you could access the road coming via Horton Place and by turning left from St. Bridget’s Primary School. As there was no parking slots near SLC, I tried to park my bike on the opposite side just passing the Badminton courts.

Then a white colour Toyota (not a white van) knocked me from behind. There was hardly any damage for my bike. All that Indian is not bad, after all.  However, the car was severely damaged. Obviously, there was an argument as to who was wrong. I did not have time for this and told the driver that I have an important press conference to attend and that I would be back soon.

If anyone knows about Sangakkara’s press conferences; they are pretty long. By the time the media briefing ended and when I progressed towards my bike, the cops had come. Then I realized that the vehicle belonged to Rupavahini. Without inquiring the matter properly, the Police said I was guilty. They were angry that I had fled the scene after an accident, which apparently was a serious offence.

I was taken to the Cinnamon Garden Police station. Although I have some good contacts at Police, they wouldn’t listen to my story or speak to any of my contacts. The Police wouldn’t tolerate anyone who flees an accident scene apparently. But then, Mahindananda’s son? Palitha Range Bandara’s son?

They pinned it on me in such a way that I had to agree to pay for the repairs or they were going to charge me for fleeing an accident scene. I had Hobson’s choice. I agreed.

I had to go to Rupavahini with a cop, give a letter to the Transport Manager agreeing to bear the cost and he had to then inform the Police that I am free to go. That was the deal.  A raw deal.

I met the Transport Manager, they had by then taken an estimate for repairs and it was going to cost them some 95,000 Rupees.  I agreed in writing, reluctantly. The Transport Manager then told the cop that I am free to go.

As I was walking out of Transport Manager’s office, Palitha Yapa Bandara saw me. He asked me in Sinhalese what the hell are you doing here.

I explained to him what had happened. He then again took me to the Transport Manager and told him that I was a dear friend of Rupavahini and to claim the money from insurance. He took it upon himself to convince the cop as well. I walked away freely. Without paying anything.

Palitha lost his battle with cancer on Sunday. I lost a dear mentor. Rest in Peace dear friend.

Rex