A senior police clarification has dismantled viral claims linking a parliamentarian to a cannabis raid and an alleged assault, with investigators now confirming a false complaint and arresting the police officer involved.
Senior DIG in charge of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Mahinda Gunaratne, issued a special clarification addressing widespread claims circulating on social media and mainstream platforms regarding incidents in the Suryakanda and Kolonna police divisions.
He explained that during a raid carried out on the 16th in the Weli Kumbura area of the Suryakanda police division, a suspect named Janidu Sanduwan Udayanga was arrested with two cannabis plants, each about two feet tall, grown inside a paint bucket. Contrary to claims promoted online, police investigations have confirmed that the land where the plants were found does not belong to National People’s Power MP Shantha Padmakumara or his wife.
The suspect was produced before court and released after paying a fine of Rs. 3,000. Investigations also revealed that he had been cultivating the land independently for some time.
DIG Gunaratne further addressed allegations made by Police Constable Susantha Hettiarachchi, who participated in the raid. The officer had complained to the 119 emergency call unit on the night of the 20th, alleging that a group including MP Shantha Padmakumara assaulted him and stole his motorcycle.
However, the MP lodged a counter complaint stating that the police constable, who was intoxicated at the time, approached his vehicle, questioned him about statements made in Parliament, and threatened him. Subsequent police investigations uncovered serious irregularities in the officer’s version of events.
The allegedly stolen motorcycle, along with its key, was recovered from the scene itself. The forensic medical report has categorically confirmed that there were no injuries or signs of assault on the constable, directly contradicting his claim.
DIG Gunaratne stated that further inquiries are being conducted to determine whether the false complaint was made at the instigation of an external group or as part of a political conspiracy aimed at discrediting the MP.
Based on these findings, Police Constable Susantha Hettiarachchi has been arrested on charges of making a false complaint and criminal intimidation and has been produced before court. Investigations into the broader motive behind the incident are ongoing.
