Wimal Accused of Assaulting Police Officer

COLOMBO (News 1st); National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa allegedly assaulted a police officer during an incident in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte today.

Visuals from the scene showed Weerawansa and a group accompanying him confronting police officers near a gate, attempting to gain entry while pushing past security personnel. He was also seen trying to enter through two other gates before striking a police officer.

Subsequently, Weerawansa was seen forcing his way forward, stumbling at one point before continuing. However, as all gates remained closed by security forces, Weerawansa and the group were unable to proceed further.

Speaking at the scene, Weerawansa criticized the situation, stating that the public was being denied basic rights and insisting that they be allowed to place flowers at the location without obstruction.

Meanwhile, Weerawansa also intervened to forcibly secure the release of an individual who had been taken into custody for allegedly obstructing police duties. He later entered a police jeep and requested officers to remove the handcuffs from the detained individual.

Police officers were subsequently seen removing the restraints.

Following the incident, the crowd dispersed.

The Police Media Division announced later this afternoon that legal action will be taken against Wimal Weerawansa and others involved in the incident.