Matale: K.G. Jayaratne, Chairman of the Deevilla Village Development Society and a retired non-commissioned officer of the Sri Lanka Army, has lodged a complaint with the Yatawatta Police on February 23, alleging that he was threatened over the phone by an individual claiming to be a regional leader of the “Compass” movement.
According to Jayaratne, the alleged threat was issued in response to the ongoing road development work initiated by the Yatawatta Pradeshiya Sabha, which includes the improvement of the Egodamulla-Golangala-Batalahena road. The caller reportedly insisted that no development projects should proceed in the area without the approval of the regional committee of the “Compass.”
Following the incident, residents of Egodamulla, Golangala, and Batalahena convened at the Egodamulla Community Hall on the same day to voice their strong protest against such intimidation. The villagers have also decided to escalate the matter by informing the President and the Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious Affairs, and Culture.
The Yatawatta Pradeshiya Sabha has been actively working on infrastructure development in the area, including road construction and improvements leading to Gedarawela Paddy Field. Additionally, officials from the Ambanganga office of the National Drainage and Water Resources Board have conducted a field inspection to implement a water supply initiative under the Vast Matale Water Project to provide clean drinking water to local communities.
The police are currently investigating the complaint to determine the legitimacy of the alleged threats and any potential legal action that may follow.
