UNP Questions Response to Alleged Assault on Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Security Officer

The United National Party (UNP) held a media briefing yesterday (30) to comment on an alleged assault involving a security officer attached to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Former Parliamentarian Vajira Abeywardena said the UNP had not initially planned to hold a media briefing on the incident, but decided to do so after government spokesperson Nalinada Jayatissa Watagala reportedly described it as a minor incident.

Former Parliamentarian Rajitha Senaratne questioned whether an alleged blow directed at Wickremesinghe had instead struck a security officer. He questioned why immediate action had not been taken against the person involved and raised concerns over the alleged use of a camera in the incident.

According to reports, the security officer lodged a complaint with police after allegedly being struck on the head with a camera while providing security to Wickremesinghe outside the court. The officer was subsequently admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo for treatment.

Senaratne also questioned whether the media organisation involved had issued an apology and what disciplinary action had been taken against the cameraman. He stressed the importance of security arrangements for former presidents and referred to the number of personnel involved in providing such protection.

Former Parliamentarian Ajith Mannapperuma also raised questions about the incident and the government's position on it. He referred to the political circumstances under which the current government assumed office and spoke about the political environment in the country.

Developments after the media briefing

The incident subsequently led to police action. A cameraman attached to a private media organisation was arrested on October 1 in connection with the alleged assault, according to police-cited reports.

By October 2, reports said the cameraman had been released on police bail.

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association has called for an impartial investigation, saying both journalists' right to report and the safety of security officers performing their duties should be protected.