In the wake of investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) revealing that the shooting incident involving former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Uddika Premarathne in Anuradhapura last (2023) September was reportedly orchestrated by Premarathne himself, the Police Department is yet to make a decision on arresting the MP.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (17), a senior Police officer stated that while the CID will be taking necessary steps to arrest Premarathne according to the developments of the probe, it is still too premature to make a comment on the particular matter. The sources also noted that the matter is already under judicial supervision as the CID has reported facts to the court, and that therefore, actions will be taken accordingly.
The CID launched an inquiry after receiving reports that an unidentified group had fired at Premarathne’s private vehicle parked near his residence. The incident occurred on 17 September 2023, after Premarathne had parked his vehicle and was walking towards his home.
Speaking at a press conference, the Police Media Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nihal Thalduwa stated that the investigation uncovered Premarathne's involvement in staging the shooting with the assistance of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who has currently left the country without notifying or obtaining the necessary permissions from the Police authorities. Thalduwa also revealed that the ASP in question is now residing overseas with his family. It is reported that the ASP left Sri Lanka amidst the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Furthermore, the ASP is said to have sent his official weapon back to his Police station through a third party before departing from the Katunayake Airport for Malaysia on 12 June.
Following the alleged shooting incident, Premarathne resigned from his position in the Parliament in February of this year (2024). He had been serving as the SLPP representative for the Anuradhapura District. Shortly after his resignation, Premarathne reportedly left Sri Lanka.
The CID continues to investigate the case, and the involvement of the ASP is a significant focus and the authorities are also exploring the circumstances under which the ASP managed to leave the country without detection or proper authorisation.