The Tangalle Divisional Crime Investigation Unit has recorded a statement from former Parliamentarian and National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa regarding comments he made about an ongoing investigation.
Police said the inquiry relates to remarks made by Weerawansa concerning the arrest of an individual known as Beliatte Sana, also identified as Puwakdandawa Sana.
In his statement, Weerawansa said he had never met the suspect nor known him as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. He told police that his earlier comments about drug trafficking and state involvement referred to the general situation in the country, not to this specific case.
Weerawansa added that his reference to the boat owner in the case was based on information published in the media at the time, and that he had understood the President’s visit to the area during the local government election period was to a hotel, not to the suspect’s residence.
He further said his assumption that the suspect’s arrest was delayed due to possible state influence was based on his personal belief.
Police noted that during questioning on October 9, Weerawansa did not produce any evidence to substantiate his earlier public claims made at a media briefing on October 2.
The statement added that legal action would be taken if it is established that knowingly false or misleading information had been made public.
The Tangalle Divisional Crime Investigation Unit is continuing further investigations. (Newswire)
