The Gampaha Headquarters Police said that six police officers attached to the Gampaha Divisional Crime Investigation Unit’s Combat Motorcycle Team were arrested this morning (25) in connection with the alleged assault of a Catholic priest.
According to police, a total of six officers — three police sergeants and three constables — have been taken into custody over the incident.
Police said that the officers were on duty in the Walpola area of Asgiriya, Gampaha, when they attempted to stop a motorcycle allegedly traveling at high speed. The officers had chased the motorcycle and apprehended the rider, following which the alleged assault took place.
The victim has been identified as a Catholic priest serving as an assistant estate administrator at a farm in Kotadeniyawa, operated under a Catholic religious institution. It was reported that the priest was returning after conducting a religious service at the Dippitigoda Church at the time of the incident.
It is further reported that despite being dressed in priestly attire, the priest was assaulted by the police traffic officers and left injured on the roadside. He was later admitted to the Negombo Hospital for treatment.
