Businessman arrested for assaulting Iranian Ambassador in Colombo

Police have arrested a 33-year-old youth who had allegedly assaulted the Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, during an incident near a shopping mall on Muttiah Road in Colombo 02.

The arrested suspect has been remanded in custody until tomorrow (May 20), after being produced before the Aluthkade No. 02 Magistrate’s Court in Colombo.

The incident had reportedly occurred on Saturday while the Iranian Ambassador was entering the car park of a shopping mall in his vehicle. An argument had ensued between the Ambassador and the suspect in question, during which the latter had assaulted the diplomat and attempted to flee in his vehicle, police said.

At the time, the Iranian Ambassador had exited his car and placed his hand on the bonnet of the suspect’s vehicle, while asking him to wait for the police. However, the suspect had then started his car and driven forward, causing an accident involving the Ambassador.

Later, police officers had arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, who has been identified as a 33-year-old businessman residing at Ward Place in Colombo 07. 

Kompanna Veediya police are conducting further investigations regarding the incident.