Police Hunt for Popular Tutor ‘Teacher Amma’ Over Alleged Assault

Police have launched a manhunt to arrest Hayeshika Fernando—widely known as ‘Teacher Amma’—a celebrated tutor for Grade 5 scholarship students, after she allegedly assaulted a young male employee.

According to reports, the victim, a 32-year-old resident of Katana, was kicked in the groin by Fernando during an altercation. The man was hospitalized at Negombo Hospital with serious injuries, and the assault was later reported to the hospital police.

Fernando is said to have gone into hiding following the incident. In a follow-up operation, officers from the Katana Police arrested her husband and manager, who were allegedly involved in the altercation. The two were remanded in custody until May 14 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

The Chief Magistrate also ordered that Hayeshika Fernando be located, arrested, and presented before the court without delay. Police investigations are ongoing under special judicial instructions, given the serious nature of the alleged assault.

Police sources revealed that the victim was not just any acquaintance but had worked under Fernando, providing technical and graphic design support for her online tutoring classes. The dispute is believed to have stemmed from a WhatsApp message sent by the victim’s sister, which reportedly triggered the confrontation.

While initial findings suggest the incident may be a result of a personal conflict, the severity of the assault—and the fact that it involves a public figure with influence over young students and their families—has shocked the local community.

Police are intensifying efforts to track down Fernando and are appealing to the public for any information that could help locate her. Community members have expressed concern, noting the troubling impact of such a figure being involved in an alleged violent act.