November 17, Colombo (LNW): Police have taken a 25-year-old man into custody on suspicion of committing an indecent act towards a foreign visitor in the Thirukkovil area, after footage of the incident spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The suspect, a father of one, was located yesterday during a targeted search operation in Marandamadu, Kalmunai, led by the Officer-in-Charge of Thirukkovil Police together with a supporting team. Officers had been tracing his movements for several days after the online circulation of a video linked him to the incident.
Authorities say the man had been living with his wife in a series of rented properties in Thirukkovil. When an online post identified him—incorrectly—as a chickpea seller, investigators focused on nearby neighbourhoods. At one former residence, officers recovered photocopies of identity documents belonging to the suspect and his wife, and learned he had abruptly disappeared three days earlier.
Police continued to sweep through areas where he was believed to have sought refuge. He was ultimately discovered in Marandamadu, having shaved his head and altered his appearance in what officers believe was an attempt to avoid detection. He has been transferred to Pottuvil Police for further inquiries.
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged by a 24-year-old tourist from New Zealand, who contacted the Sri Lanka Tourist Police Division via email after witnessing the video online. She had been travelling by three-wheeler from Arugam Bay to Pasikuda on October 25 during a visit to the island when she encountered the suspect in Thirukkovil, at which point he allegedly exposed himself.
