The Thalangama Police informed the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court on December 10 that an Army Intelligence Officer has been identified as the individual who allegedly injured three police officers with a sharp weapon during a protest by school development officers at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya, Battaramulla, on December 2.
The Kaduwela Magistrate, Waghima Wijebandara, ordered a formal investigation into the Army Intelligence Officer’s involvement, directing the police to report the findings promptly. Simultaneously, four school development officers, initially remanded for allegedly obstructing police duties, were released on personal bail of Rs. 100,000 each.
The incident occurred when the protest escalated, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. During the altercation, three police officers sustained injuries. Protesters identified and restrained the alleged perpetrator, described as wearing a blue shirt, and handed him over to authorities.
Defense lawyers for the school development officers raised serious concerns, alleging that the individual had been present alongside police officers since the protest began. They argued that the Army Intelligence Officer might have attacked the police officers to falsely implicate their clients.
The defense also criticized the police for failing to name the Army Intelligence Officer as a suspect. They questioned the integrity of the identification parade organized by the police, citing potential bias, as police officers served as witnesses. The lawyers requested the release of their clients, citing a lack of trust in the investigation process.
The court ordered further inquiries into the incident and the role of the Army Intelligence Officer, emphasizing the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. This revelation raises concerns about the tactics employed during public demonstrations and the possible misuse of state security personnel to manipulate outcomes.
The case continues to unfold, with heightened public interest and scrutiny on the transparency and accountability of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in Sri Lanka.
