Attack on Sirasa crew outside PM’s private home: Senior STF officer interdicted pending probe

SSP R. A. Liyanage of the Special Task Force (STF) has been interdicted with immediate effect over police assault on a media crew of Sirasa on Saturday night (09) outside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo 03.

Police headquarters yesterday (11) announced action taken in respect of the senior STF officer, in consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC).

 Sirasa lodged a complaint with police headquarters and also requested IGP C.D. Wickremaratne, urging him to initiate action against law enforcement personnel over the attack.

According to police headquarters, the IGP has interdicted the officer over his failure to thwart the attack on Sirasa crew by the men under his command.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated an inquiry into the destruction of Premier Wickremesinghe residence following the attack on the Sirasa crew.

Former State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene and ex-lawmaker Palitha Range Bandara described the attack as politically motivated.

Bandara assured the media at the scene that the UNP would soon release video footage and other information relating to the incidents.

UNPers at the scene also told Ven. Ulapone Sumangala Thera, a few hours before the arson attack, to leave the place immediately as he, too, was responsible for the protest. The monk, who spearheaded the protesters at Chatham Street on Saturday (09) before they stormed the President’s House, visited Wickremesinghe’s residence on Sunday. (SF)