Navy suspends Cardiologist over sexual exploitation and trafficking of 15-year-old girl

The Sri Lanka Navy yesterday (7 July) suspended from service a Cardiologist, who was arrested earlier this week in connection to an ongoing investigation regarding the sexual exploitation and trafficking of a 15-year-old girl.

According to the Navy, the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne suspended the naval surgeon’s service effective yesterday and ordered a separate investigation be launched into the incident.

“The Navy suspended the service of this naval surgeon in support of the further investigations and judicial proceedings in connection with this incident,” Navy Spokesman Capt. Indika De Silva said.

The 41-year-old suspect, reportedly a Lieutenant Commander, was arrested by the Bandaragama police. He has been remanded till 19 July.

Thirty-four suspects, including a former Maldivian State Minister, the Chairman of Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha, a gem merchant, a monk and the victim’s mother have been arrested to date in relation to the investigation, with the Police also seeking Court permission to ban four websites that allegedly carried notices and promotional material related to child exploitation.  

According to Police Spokesman Senior DIG Ajith Rohana, the investigation has been taken over by the Women and Children’s Bureau of the Police with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Cyber Crime Unit assisting. Further arrests are possible, the Police added. (AF)