The Police is in the process of identifying those who organised the protest outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 26 August, when the case involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken up, using closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage and intelligence reports, according to Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent (ASP) of Police, attorney F.U. Wootler.

Inspector General of Police, attorney Priyantha Weerasooriya recently said that investigations were underway to identify individuals who organised the protest in question.

When queried by The Daily Morning regarding the progress of the investigations, Wootler said: “The relevant Police teams are carrying out the investigations. They are in the process of identifying those who organised the protest using CCTV footage and intelligence reports. Once that is done, the necessary legal actions will be taken.”

Protests broke out outside the said court on 26 August as proceedings were taken up against Wickremesinghe, who was arrested and subsequently remanded on 22 August. Supporters including leading politicians and activists gathered near the court premises demanding his release, while Police and Police Special Task Force personnel moved in to control the situation.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate had ordered the Police to investigate those who organised the protest, blocking the entrances of the court premises, and arrest them. A Police officer was injured in the protest and a former Local Government politician has since been remanded in connection with the same.