Moratuwa Mayor arrested following vaccination center altercation

COLOMBO (News 1st); Moratuwa Mayor Samanlal Fernando was arrested for obstructing the duties of state officers, said Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana.

The Police Spokesperson told News 1st that a complaint was made against the Mayor of Moratuwa in respect of obstructing the duties of state officers and violating quarantine regulations at the vaccination program in the Moratumulla Police area.

The MOH of the area had provided a statement to police over the incident and thus following investigations he was arrested after he was surrendered to police officers.

"Samanlal Fernando will be produced in court in terms of the provisions of the Penal Code and the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance," said the Police Spokesperson.

The Mayor was captured on video arguing with state officials during a vaccination drive in Moratuwa on Thursday (27) where he demanded people in possession of tokens issued by him be given the vaccine, to which the Chief Medical Officer present at the site refused.