Tried to video Ranil, he covered it up - Sirasa cameraman arrested

A cameraman from Sirasa private media institution was arrested today (01) by the Kompannaweediya Police in connection with an incident where he assaulted a VIP security officer of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe with his camera. The suspect was arrested when he arrived at the police station with his lawyer to give a statement, following a summons issued by the police yesterday (30).

This unfortunate incident was reported yesterday at the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court complex. The former President, who had arrived there for a court proceeding, was leaving when the journalist in question attacked the security officer using his camera. At that moment, the police immediately intervened and removed the suspect cameraman from the scene. As the assault was captured on cameras of other journalists nearby, the footage circulated widely on social media.

The journalist, commenting to his colleagues about this, stated that he was focused on the camera lens and video recording, and did not know it was a security guard who approached. 'I was trying to video Ranil, and he covered it, that's why I got a little angry... Later I found out he was security,' he said.

The officer assaulted in the incident is Police Sergeant A. H. Mahesh Ranjan, who is attached to the Police VIP Protection Division. The assaulted security officer was hospitalized after the incident, and it is further reported that he is currently receiving treatment at the Narahenpita Police Hospital. 
Although the assault appears to be a minor incident, criticisms with a political dimension are being leveled against it, linking it to the long-standing Sirasa TV propaganda against Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Watch the video related to this incident ›