Sources say that the CID has informed President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa that there is enough evidence to arrest SSP K.B. Keerthiratne who was in charge of the Kegalle division.
SSP Keerthiratne had ordered the firing to disperse a public protest in Rambukkana on April 19. One person was killed and three others were seriously injured and are still receiving treatment in hospital. More than 20 people were seriously injured.
Sources say that the CID has informed the President that there is enough evidence to arrest the SSP based on eyewitness and video evidence received so far regarding the incident.
The public has also criticized the police for not arresting any police officers in connection with the murder except for the transfer of three persons including Keerthiratne. In particular, the fact that SSP Keerthiratne is a close relative of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Chief Security Officer has further intensified the current anti – Rajapaksa sentiment in the country.
Shooting these protesters has also attracted international attention and the government is being pressured internationally. Sources said that the Sri Lankan government, which is at risk of a severe dollar crisis as well as an impending food shortage, risks not receiving the much-needed international humanitarian assistance to the country in the next moment if all efforts are made to rescue these police officers.
