Police said the accident caused significant property damage, and an initial private settlement had reportedly been reached between those involved and the religious institution regarding repair costs.
However, during a subsequent inspection of the scene, police officers became suspicious about the circumstances surrounding the incident. CCTV footage obtained from nearby cameras later revealed that the vehicle had allegedly been driven by the underage student at the time of the crash.
Following the discovery, officers attached to the Hambantota Police arrested the 15-year-old suspect on the afternoon of May 14 after he returned home from school.
The teenager is expected to be produced before court on charges including driving without a valid licence, reckless driving, and causing an accident.
Investigations also revealed that the boy’s father had initially claimed responsibility for driving the vehicle in an attempt to protect his son. As a result, he too now faces legal action for allegedly allowing an unlicensed minor to operate a motor vehicle and misleading investigators.
Both suspects are due to be produced before court while further investigations continue.
