Moratuwa SLPP Mayor arrested for allegedly obstructing Chief Medical Officer

By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said yesterday that Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando had been arrested for obstructing state officials on duty.

DIG Rohana said that a complaint had been made against the Mayor of Moratuwa for obstructing the duties of state officers and violating quarantine regulations at the vaccination programme in the Moratumulla Police area.

The Mayor was taken into custody when he arrived at the Mount Lavinia Police station to make a statement.

“Saman Lal Fernando will be produced in court in terms of the provisions of the Penal Code and the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance,” DIG Rohana said.

The Mayor would be produced before Mount Lavinia Magistrate, police said.

Videos showing the Mayor arguing with state officials during a vaccination drive in Moratuwa on Thursday (27) went viral on social media and were shown on TV channels as well. The Mayor was seen demanding that people in possession of tokens issued by him be given the vaccine.