Sri Lanka Police has come under scrutiny over a shooting involving a three-wheeler that allegedly failed to stop when ordered, leaving a 16-year-old injured. In a social media post addressing the incident, police said officers had opened fire at a three-wheeler that failed to comply with instructions to stop. The post urged members of the public to obey the law and cooperate with authorities in their efforts to combat crime and drug trafficking. “You must be a law-abiding citizen,” the police message stated, adding that public cooperation and support were important in combating criminal activities and drug trafficking. The statement appeared to defend the police response to the incident, although it did not explain why opening fire was considered necessary. The shooting occurred on October 31 near Mahakade Junction in Kadawatha, where officers conducting traffic duties signalled the three-wheeler to stop. According to police, the driver ignored the signal and continued driving, after which officers opened fire. A 16-year-old passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries and was admitted to Ragama Hospital. Police said the teenager’s condition was not serious. The three-wheeler was subsequently located in the Gonahena area, while its 17-year-old driver was arrested. Preliminary investigations indicated that the driver had allegedly failed to stop because he did not possess a valid driving licence. The police social media message did not clarify whether the officers’ decision to open fire was being separately investigated or what immediate threat justified the use of firearms. (Newswire)
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