State Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Prasanna Ranaweera, has been accused of assaulting a porter at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in a confrontation that unfolded earlier today.
The incident reportedly occurred as Minister Ranaweera accompanied his wife, who was scheduled for an overseas trip.
According to sources, the minister, accompanied by his armed security personnel, attempted to enter the airport through the main entrance, but was stopped by airport security officers. The officers informed the minister that his security detail could not bring firearms into the airport, prompting an alleged verbal outburst from Ranaweera, who reportedly threatened several security officers.
The situation further escalated when a porter assisting with the luggage of the minister's wife was allegedly assaulted. Witnesses claim the conflict arose after the porter objected to receiving only Rs. 750 instead of the standard Rs. 1,000 fee clearly posted at the airport.
In response, Minister Ranaweera is said to have slapped the porter in the face before leaving the premises.
