Priests and nuns staged a silent protest in front of the Negombo Municipal Council today, condemning the recent assault of a catholic priest by six police officers from the Gampaha Division Crimes Investigation Unit’s motorcycle squad.
The protesting priest and nuns were seen holding placards condemning the assault.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the six police officers have been suspended from service following the incident.
The priest, who serves as an assistant estate manager at a church-administered farm in Kotadeniyawa, was attacked while returning from a service at the Dippitigoda Church. He was reportedly travelling by motorcycle and dressed in full clerical attire at the time.
The suspects allegedly assaulted the priest and left him by the roadside. He was later admitted to the Negombo Hospital for treatment.
The Police officers were arrested in connection with the incident and produced before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court, during which they were ordered into custody until January 29, when an identification parade is scheduled to be held. (Newswire)