A dramatic incident unfolded at Jaliyagoda Junction in Piliyandala when a 53-year-old man armed with a sword caused chaos, claiming he would harm himself unless he was allowed to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The man, a local resident, initially caused a disturbance by using abusive language toward neighbors and behaving in a disorderly manner. When confronted by nearby residents who asked him to stop, he became increasingly agitated. In a heated display, he boarded a lorry parked at the junction, brandishing the sword, and issued alarming threats. He declared that he would slit his throat and commit suicide if he was not granted an audience with the President.
Concerned citizens promptly notified the Piliyandala Police, who arrived on the scene and successfully managed to defuse the tense situation. The man was subdued and taken into custody without further incident.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the man suffers from a medical condition that may have contributed to his behavior. As a precautionary measure, the police arranged for him to be admitted to Kalubowila Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
The incident, which startled the community, underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns and ensuring timely interventions in such situations. Further inquiries into the man’s actions and motives are ongoing.
