A storm is brewing in Kalutara after a ruling party MP reportedly threatened a police sergeant who had dared to arrest and file a case against a local kasippu (illicit liquor) dealer.
The incident unfolded at the Welipenna Police Station, where Sergeant Ajith, who had conducted the raid and filed the charges, found himself the target of verbal abuse and intimidation by a National People’s Power (NPP) MP representing the Kalutara District. The MP allegedly called the Welipenna OIC directly, furious over the arrest, accusing the officer of beating suspects and filing false drug charges.
“Who is this Ajith from the station? He’s questioning people about their homes, filing bogus drug cases, and assaulting them. Don’t you know this, Mr. OIC?” the MP fumed during the call on June 4. Police sources confirmed that the OIC documented the call in the official police log.
Shortly after the first call, the MP rang again, this time demanding Sergeant Ajith’s personal mobile number. The number was shared, and what followed was a heated call between the MP and the sergeant.
According to Sergeant Ajith, the MP verbally abused him and issued a chilling threat: “You’ll be transferred to Vavuniya.” The sergeant, shaken, reported the incident to the OIC and officially logged a complaint under reference CPIB (2) 353/40. He has not reported to duty since.
Notably, Sergeant Ajith is a cousin of Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, raising further questions about whether the issue is politically charged or part of a broader turf battle over law enforcement autonomy.
When contacted by Aruna, Kalutara Division SSP Kavinda Piyasekara confirmed that a formal investigation is now underway. The case has drawn public attention not only for the brazen threat to a law enforcement officer but also for what it reveals about the protection some illicit dealers may enjoy under political patronage.
This latest controversy highlights the growing tension between grassroots police operations and the political elite and may set the stage for wider accountability or deeper cover-ups, depending on how far the investigation is allowed to go.
