Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara (Rtd.) has finally ordered IGP C.D Wickramaratne to investigate the complaint received by the CID against former
State Minister of Prison Management and Prisoners Rehabilitation Lohan Ratawatte.
Earlier Weerasekara had said the Police is prepared to take necessary action if a complaint is filed over the recent incidents where Ratwatte was accused of forcefully entering two prisons and harassing several inmates.
Releasing a statement today (17) Weerasekara said he has instructed the IGP to commence investigations after a complaint had been filed with the CID on the issue.
Calls have heightened calling for the arrest of Ratwatte with many legal experts and activists pointing out that he could be arrested without a warrant for the alleged criminal actions committed by him over the weekend. Submitting a complaint to the CID, the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners had detailed the possible offences committed by Ratwatte when he forcefully entered the Prisons with a group of individuals, allegedly drunk and carrying a firearm.
Weerasekara however seemed to justify Ratwatte somewhat, by telling media he believes the firearm carried by Ratwatte was a licenced pistol. However he also noted that action could be initiated for the use of weapons inside Prison complexes if a complaint is submitted by any party.
Meanwhile commenting on the incident SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said only cowards can act in this manner and harass prisoners who are already suffering in the prison system. “I too have lived in these conditions and seen their suffering” he said adding that anyone who harasses prisoners in this way is not a hero but is instead a coward.
He said inmates should rise up against such characters entering prisons and take matters to their own hands. “Even the people of this country will stand for the prisoners on that day” he added.
