Keheliya to Australia to appear in case filed against Melbourne hotel

Indika POLKOTUWA

Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was due to leave for Australia yesterday to appear in a case he has filed in the Victoria District Court against a hotel in Melbourne seeking compensation for an accident he suffered during his last visit to Australia.

Minister Rambukwella suffered leg injuries after falling from the balcony of a room in Cormone Hotel after the room door closed due to some malfunction, shutting him out in the balcony.

As the minister tried to find his way into the room through a devious means, he fell from the balcony suffering leg injuries for which he had to be hospitalised.

Minister Rambukwella who took nearly four months to recuperate returned to the country on May 24, filed a case against the hotel for negligence and lack of security and proper safeguards seeking compensation for his injury. It is learnt that the lawyers for the respondent hotel is negotiating with the minister's party to come to an amicable settlement outside court.