Two suspects arrested over former Borella OIC’s murder

Two main suspects in the murder of SP Prasad Siriwardena, the former office-in-charge (OIC) of the Borella Police Station, have been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today, police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

Siriwardena had died from injuries sustained due to the violence during a protest at Thunnane on High Level Road on March 16.

The police officer was injured when a tree cut down by several individuals reportedly fell on him, during the protest staged by the residents of Hanwella demanding the closure of a rubber factory which they claimed pollute the water in the area.

He was admitted to the Avissawella Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries.

Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse an unruly crowd protesting against the factory in Thunnane, Hanwella by blocking the High Level Road, causing severe traffic congestion in the area.

Around 20 persons involved in the protest were arrested by police.

Siriwardena was posthumously promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police on the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). (Ada Derana)