A Colombo court has ordered a 17-year-old school cricketer arrested over an alleged assault involving a Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club employee to remain in probation custody until August 24.
The order was issued after the case was taken up before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on August 17.
The teenager was arrested by Cinnamon Gardens Police following an incident at the Bloomfield grounds in Colombo on August 8. The club employee, identified as 62-year-old Sumith Fernando of Moratuwa, was subsequently admitted to the Colombo National Hospital and later died while receiving treatment.
Police told court that the incident began after a group of cricketers undergoing training went to a water tap for drinking water and found that water was unavailable.
An argument then reportedly broke out between the players and the employee. Police investigations have indicated that the employee allegedly attempted to assault one of the players and later attempted to strike the 17-year-old, who is alleged to have struck the employee during the confrontation.
Fernando had a history of heart disease, and authorities are investigating whether his death was linked to the alleged assault or an underlying medical condition. Earlier reports said the post-mortem returned an open verdict, with tissue samples expected to undergo further examination.
Meanwhile, the teenager’s lawyer informed court that the boy had himself been assaulted by another juvenile while being held at the Makola detention facility and was receiving treatment at the Ragama Hospital.
The Magistrate reportedly directed probation officials to submit a report over the incident and raised concerns over the accommodation of juveniles with different needs within probation facilities.
The inquiry into Fernando’s death is scheduled to continue on August 24. (Newswire)