Sergeant who helped Wattala birthday party killers escape suspended

A sergeant from the Pamunugama Police, who allegedly allowed suspects fleeing after a murder at a birthday party held at a hotel in the Wattala area to pass through a roadblock, has been suspended. His suspension is effective from August 03, on charges of failing to properly perform duties at the Daalathura police roadblock.

On the night of July 23rd, a birthday party for a three-year-old daughter of an underworld leader was held at a hotel in Wattala. During the party, an unknown gunman broke in and opened fire, killing one person present.

Upon receiving information that the shooter who committed the murder was fleeing in a black car, senior officers instructed the officers at the Daalathura roadblock to be vigilant. However, investigations have revealed that the sergeant, who was the senior officer at that roadblock, without properly directing other officers or performing his duties diligently, failed to apprehend the suspects and the car, allowing the vehicle to escape.

Following investigations into this incident, the Negombo Assistant Superintendent of Police (1) has taken steps to suspend the relevant police sergeant. Further investigations into the incident are being carried out under the supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western Province, Mr. Sajeeva Medawatta, and on the instructions of Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western North Division, Attorney-at-Law Kalinga Jayasinghe, with the guidance of Senior Superintendent of Police for the Negombo Division, Mr. B. Mal Perera.