Sri Lanka Police has come under scrutiny over a shooting involving a three-wheeler that allegedly failed to stop when ordered, leaving a 16-year-old injured.
In a social media post addressing the incident, police said officers had opened fire at a three-wheeler that failed to comply with instructions to stop.
The post urged members of the public to obey the law and cooperate with authorities in their efforts to combat crime and drug trafficking.
“You must be a law-abiding citizen,” the police message stated, adding that public cooperation and support were important in combating criminal activities and drug trafficking.
The shooting occurred on October 31 near Mahakade Junction in Kadawatha, where officers conducting traffic duties signalled the three-wheeler to stop.
In a statement, police said the three-wheeler had been signalled to stop during checks on vehicles and individuals. However, the driver had allegedly driven towards the officers before speeding away.
A 16-year-old passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries and was admitted to Ragama Hospital.
Police said the teenager’s condition was not serious.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the driver had allegedly failed to stop because he did not possess a valid driving licence.
The 17-year-old three-wheeler driver surrendered to Kadawatha Police and was arrested. The vehicle, which had been hidden at a house in Gonahena, was also seized by police. (Newswire)
