Police constable who assaulted driver will be interdicted: Weerasekara

Public Security Minister Adm. (Rtd) Sarath Weerasekara

• Maharagama police station launches inquiry
• Maharagama police OIC also involved in accident, seriously injured 

By Asiri Fernando

Public Security Minister Adm. (Rtd) Sarath Weerasekara has instructed the Police to interdict a constable accused of brutally assaulting a lorry driver suspected to be involved in a motor accident. 

The Police department began an investigation into the matter after a video began circulating on social media showing a uniformed officer assaulting a motorist, an incident that has caused a public outcry denouncing police brutality.  Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana condemned the violent act, stating that the department did not approve of such assaults. According to DIG Rohana, the incident had taken place in Pannipitiya last morning, where a Police Constable from the Maharagama Police had committed the assault.   DIG Rohana via an audio press release pointed out that the victim of the assault – a lorry driver – had been involved in a motor accident that had resulted in the Maharagma Police traffic OIC sustaining serious injuries. He is currently receiving treatment at the Kalubowila hospital. 

“However, the police have no right to assault an individual in this way,” DIG Rohana added, stressing that disciplinary action will be taken against the constable. 

The Sri Lankan police’s record of treatment of suspects, during arrests and while in police custody, has been subject of much scrutiny over many decades, with many activists pointing to a culture of impunity among law enforcement officers. 

The Maharagama police station has launched an inquiry under the supervision a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).