The Police has decided to initiate an investigation into a popular YouTuber, identified as Sudantha Thilakasiri or ‘Sudaa,’ following a complaint filed by United National Party (UNP) lawyers.
The complaint stems from a post uploaded by the YouTuber claiming that if former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday (22), he would definitely be arrested and remanded for 14 days.
UNP lawyer Nalin Pathirana expressed suspicion that the arrest had been pre-planned, questioning how the YouTuber could have known the court’s decision before the judgment was delivered.
Police Spokesperson ASP Fredrick Wootler confirmed that the CID had accepted the complaint.
“The case is now being escalated, with the CID set to hand it over to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who will then assign it to a special investigation unit to conduct a thorough inquiry. As soon as the investigation commences, the individual will be officially summoned for an inquiry,” Wootler stated, indicating that the YouTuber would be required to provide a statement as part of the legal process.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala also weighed in on the matter, clarifying the role of the Police in the investigation and dismissing claims of information leaks from his ministry.
“There are no leaks from our end,” Wijepala stated, suggesting that any questions about information leaks should be directed to the CID.
He added that the reason for the former President’s arrest was different from what the YouTuber had claimed, noting that the YouTuber’s prediction was related to the courts, not Police investigations.
Wijepala stressed that the power of the Police was to investigate, and if necessary, arrest an individual and produce them before a court within 24 hours. “The Police does not determine the number of days a person must stay in remand. That is the prerogative of the courts,” he explained.
Wijepala confirmed that he had issued a directive to investigate if any information had indeed been leaked. He reiterated that the core of the matter was whether a crime had been committed, regardless of who the YouTuber was or what he had predicted.