Sri Lanka Police have issued a clarification regarding a statement made by the mother of the youth who was shot during a police shooting incident involving a three-wheeler that allegedly failed to obey police orders in Kadawatha.
The incident occurred yesterday (October 31), during which the mother reportedly told the media that police had claimed the young men travelling in the three-wheeler were transporting drugs.
However, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler has categorically rejected this claim, describing the mother's statement as entirely false.
Speaking during a media briefing held today (01), the Police Media Spokesperson stated that, under the law, every driver is required to stop in response to a signal given by a police officer wearing an official uniform.
He urged the general public to comply with police instructions to stop vehicles during security operations, emphasising that although such checks may cause temporary inconvenience, they are conducted in the interests of national security and public safety.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that allowing individuals without valid driving licences or underage children to operate motor vehicles constitutes an offence under the Motor Traffic Act.
He further stated that legal action would also be taken against the individual who allowed the underage youth involved in the Kadawatha incident to drive the three-wheeler.
ASP Wootler called on adults and senior citizens to act responsibly and extend their cooperation to the Sri Lanka Police in its efforts to maintain law and order throughout the country.
He also stated that police arrests, inspections and search operations were being further intensified island-wide to safeguard public order.
The special operations are targeting illegal activities, drug trafficking, organised criminal networks, gunmen and individuals providing assistance or support to such activities.
The Police Media Spokesperson added that the operations had been receiving considerable cooperation from the public.
