A special investigation unit of the Police has been deployed to Narammala, following the tragic death of a lorry driver yesterday (18).
Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon has confirmed that the investigation team, headed by an ASP, had immediately visited the scene last night.
He had added that “Stern action will be taken against those responsible, following a thorough investigation.”
The incident had unfolded when two plainclothes Police officers in Narammala had attempted to pull over a small lorry. The driver, however, had driven on, prompting the officers to pursue him on a motorbike. The chase ended in Dampalassa, where the lorry was finally stopped.
According to Police Spokesman SSP and Attorney-At-Law Nihal Thalduwa, the firearm carried by a Sub-Inspector had discharged while inspecting the vehicle, striking and fatally injuring the 40-year-old driver, identified as a resident of Alawwa.
The Sub-Inspector has been arrested and is currently detained pending further investigation.
The incident had triggered protests outside the Narammala Police Station, which had led to the Police Special Task Force being deployed to restore order.
Meanwhile, a video allegedly showing the conduct of the policemen soon after the driver is shot, is making rounds on social media.
Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.
At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (May 09).
Showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts in the morning too.
Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.
