COLOMBO: A television cameraman was arrested on Thursday after a police officer assigned to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's security detail alleged that the cameraman struck him on the head with a camera outside a Colombo court.
The incident took place on Wednesday near the main entrance of the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court as Wickremesinghe was leaving after a hearing in a case concerning the alleged misuse of public funds for a trip to Britain. Video footage recorded by journalists at the scene, which has circulated on social media, shows a confrontation between the cameraman and the officer.
The officer, Police Sergeant A.H. Mahesh Ranjan, lodged a complaint with the Slave Island Police and was admitted to hospital, according to local media reports.
Police summoned the cameraman, who appeared at the Slave Island Police Station with his lawyer on Thursday and was arrested in connection with the complaint. Investigations are continuing.
The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association has called for an impartial inquiry. The association said investigators should establish whether the officer was obstructed in the course of his duties or whether the cameraman was prevented from doing his work. It said the right of journalists to report and the safety of security personnel must both be protected.
Wickremesinghe appeared in court on Wednesday with Saman Ekanayake, who served as his secretary during his presidency. The case concerns allegations that Rs. 16.6 million in public funds was improperly spent on a visit Wickremesinghe made to Britain. The Criminal Investigation Department informed the court that it has concluded its investigation and forwarded its findings to the Attorney General for advice.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena fixed the case to be called again on November 11, when the Attorney General's position is expected to be presented to court.
