Despite MP Archchuna showing no resistance or aggression, he was handcuffed while plainclothes arresting officers enthusiastically captured the arrest on their mobile phones
Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna was arrested this afternoon (January 29) by a special police team in Jaffna over allegations of obstructing police duties in Anuradhapura. The arrest, which involved the MP being handcuffed, has stirred public discussion, particularly in light of contrasting treatment in recent high-profile arrests.
Although a uniformed officer was present, the other police officers in civilian clothing failed to identify themselves, prompting MP Ramanathan Archchuna to request their official credentials. During the exchange, the MP is heard pointing out that the arrest document was presented in Sinhala, despite him being a Tamil-speaking citizen. He also questions whether the Speaker of Parliament was notified of his arrest beforehand, as required by parliamentary protocol.
According to Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, Archchuna is set to be presented before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, where proceedings will determine the next course of action.
The Incident in Anuradhapura
The investigation stems from an incident on January 20 in Rambewa, Anuradhapura, where MP Archchuna allegedly obstructed traffic police officers on duty. Reports indicate that the MP was en route to a parliamentary session when he was stopped for using unauthorized ‘VIP lights’ on his vehicle, which was allegedly causing disruption to other road users. A confrontation ensued between Archchuna and the officers, escalating tensions at the scene.
The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court had previously postponed the case on January 22 due to inconsistencies in identifying the suspect, scheduling further hearings for February 3. However, police intensified their investigation, leading to today’s arrest.
Handcuffed MP Sparks Debate on Law Enforcement Consistency
Archchuna’s arrest has reignited public debate over disparities in police handling of high-profile suspects. Just days ago, questions were raised over why Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was not handcuffed when he was arrested in connection with a money laundering case.
Responding to the criticism, SSP Buddhika Manathunga stated that handcuffing is not a mandatory procedure for all suspects and is left to the discretion of the arresting officer, depending on the suspect’s behavior. The police spokesman also clarified that the widely circulated photograph of Yoshitha’s arrest was not taken by law enforcement, but rather by an unknown individual at the Beliatta Expressway checkpoint.
With Archchuna now in police custody and the case set to unfold in court, the arrest raises broader concerns about law enforcement impartiality, political influence, and procedural consistency in Sri Lanka’s legal system. The February 3 hearing will be closely watched as the legal proceedings against the Jaffna MP continue.
