The investigation into the theft of the two T56 firearms and two magazines from two army soldiers who were injured in the heated incident during the protest at Polduwa Junction yesterday (13) has been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

During the demonstration, two firearms and two magazines containing multiple rounds of ammunition were stolen from the soldiers who was attacked.

On the advice of Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of Western Province, Deshbandu Thennakoon, the investigation was assigned to Colombo Crimes Division, Police Media Spokesman, Attorney-at-Law SSP Nihal Thalduwa.

The army soldiers who were severely injured in the incident are currently receiving treatment at the army hospital.

A special police team of the Colombo Crimes Division has visited the military hospital and recorded statements from the injured army soldiers regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence stressed that stealing of the two weapons and the magazines is a serious illegal. It poses a serious threat to the safety of the public, it said further in a statement.

The Defence Secretary has strongly emphasized that attacking the police or security force members and inciting the youth community to do such illegal activities, damaging public property and harassing the public is a threat to the normal life of the people.

Accordingly, all instructions and orders have been given to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Tri-Forces Commanders and the Inspector General of Police to strictly implement the law and order to prevent such moves and establish normalcy in the country.

Consequently, under the Public Security Ordinance Act, the armed forces have been empowered, and accordingly, the police and the armed forces will work together to maintain law and order and ensure national security under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the statement read further.