NPC launches investigations into the Hambantota incident
October 16, 2017 12:13 pm
The National Police Commission (NPC) today (16) launched an inquiry into the alleged assault committed by Tangalle Assistant Superintendent of Police , Thushara Daluwatte on a detained protester during the riots that broke out in Hambantota on October 6.
The Commission stated that the investigations are being carried out upon the complaint filed by Joint Opposition (JO) parliamentarian Dullas Alahapperuma regarding the incident.
Accordingly, a team of three Police officers have arrived in Hambantota, for the investigations, yesterday (15).The team is due to conduct investigations in the areas for a period of one week and the report will be handed over to the Commission afterwards.
Secretary to the Commission Mr. N.Ariyadasa Cooray stated that NPC’s Public Complaints Unit director M.Moragolla has been appointed as the Head of the investigations team.
A protest was organized by members of the Joint Opposition on October 06 including MP Namal Rajapaksa, against the agreement to handover operations of the Hambantota port and Mattala airport to two foreign companies.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters opposite the Indian Consulate Office in Hambantota.
Meanwhile, The Police apprehended 28 protesters for unruly behavior and damage of public property during the protest. A video of ASP Daluwatte who was assaulting one of the arrested persons was documented by the media.
It was reported that the suspect who was assaulted was hospitalized after he sustained heavy injuries.
However ASP Daluwatte was transferred with immediate effect to the Matara Police division on October 12.
