The Embilipitiya Chief Magistrate’s Court today (15) ordered police to expedite investigations and record witness statements in two related cases connected to a dispute arising from a cannabis raid in Suriyakanda involving a National People's Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha and a suspended police constable.

The cases involve proceedings filed by the police against suspended Police Constable Susantha Hettiarachchi, as well as a counter case filed by the constable against Ratnapura District MP Shantha Pathma Kumara, following an alleged altercation linked to the incident.

When the matter was taken up before Chief Magistrate R.M. Malan Ishara Jayasuriya, court directed police to promptly record evidence in the case against the Parliamentarian and, if necessary, arrest any identified suspects and produce them before court at the next hearing.

Court was informed that the case against the constable, which includes allegations of obstruction and criminal intimidation, had previously been referred to the Mediation Board. However, it was reported that no settlement had been reached between the parties.

Counsel appearing for the suspended constable told court that his client was arrested within hours of being hospitalized following the incident, while no suspects have been questioned or arrested in the counter case involving the MP, despite several months having passed.

He also raised concerns over the progress of the investigation.

Following submissions, the Magistrate ordered police to complete recording of statements and submit a comprehensive report by October 26, while taking steps to arrest any suspects identified during the investigation.

It was further revealed that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had directed police to reinstate the suspended constable following its inquiry. However, the directive has not yet been implemented.

The cases have been fixed for further hearing on November 2 and December 20, 2026.