• To take action against videographers 

In the wake of the circulation of a video showing a suspect in the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairperson Lasantha Wickramasekara revealing related information, the Police denied any involvement in the recording and said that action would be taken against those responsible.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said that the videography had not been carried out by the Police. 

“It was some other party who did it. We would not have allowed it. The Police do not approve of that,” he said, adding that steps would be taken against the individuals involved.

The video, which surfaced on social media, shows a suspect claiming that the order to carry out the shooting was issued by an individual residing in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He was heard claiming that he had acted on instructions received from the said individual.

The suspect was arrested in Maharagama following a special Police operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and identify others connected to the attack.

Meanwhile, former Bar Association of Sri Lanka President President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris said that arrests and criminal investigations must be conducted in accordance with the law. In a Facebook post, he said that parading suspects before the media, recording their statements, and circulating such videos may appeal to some sections of the public but would harm the prosecution once the trial begins. 

“Such childish acts do not enhance the image of the Police and are counterproductive. It calls into question the professionalism of the investigators and brings disrepute to the whole system,” he wrote.

The issue was also raised at the Cabinet Press briefing held yesterday.