News1st cameraman Charith Niyomal has denied allegations that he assaulted a security officer attached to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, insisting that he did not deliberately strike the officer.
Speaking about the incident after being released on police bail, Niyomal said he had been working as a cameraman for more than 15 years and had covered Wickremesinghe on numerous occasions.
National said the incident occurred while he was covering Wickremesinghe leaving the court premises. He claimed he was holding his camera in one hand and a mobile phone in the other when the security officer pushed him.
“When I was about to fall, my camera was also about to fall. I tried to grab it. Later, I saw on social media that they were saying I had hit him,” National said.
He also questioned the allegation that the officer had been struck with his camera, saying the equipment was worth more than Rs. 800,000 and contained sensitive components.
“If I had hit him in the manner being alleged, my camera should have been damaged,” he said.
“I strongly reject the allegation. I did not assault anyone in any way,” he added.
The incident occurred on September 30 near the entrance to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court as Wickremesinghe was leaving following court proceedings. The security officer subsequently lodged a police complaint and was hospitalised.
Niyomal was arrested after reporting to the Kompannavidiya Police Station to provide a statement and was subsequently released on police bail. (Newswire)