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.
The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.
The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya. Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.
A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.
The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.
The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.
The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.
The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.
On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.
