A few days ago, while Rev. Fr. Milan Peedarshana, a Catholic priest, was on his way to celebrate Holy Mass, he was stopped by a group of police officers, verbally abused, and severely assaulted. As a result of this incident, he is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.

We convened this press conference today in order to clarify certain matters that were presented by the Police Media Division regarding this incident. A statement was broadcast on a major television channel, in which it was reported that the priest had refused to obey police orders and had continued riding his motorcycle. According to that report, the police officers then pursued him, an argument followed, and subsequently the priest was admitted to hospital.

This version of events began circulating widely on social media. However, it does not present the complete truth. It represents only a partial account and therefore risks misleading the public and distorting the reality of what occurred. For this reason, we believe it is important to clarify the full sequence of events.

On that evening, Father Milan was travelling to a church service. While riding his motorcycle, several police officers on motorcycles approached from the opposite direction and signalled him to stop. However, Father Milan did not notice this signal. Consequently, he continued riding. The police officers then pursued him and instructed him to stop, after which he complied.

Upon stopping him, the officers acted rudely and accused him of ignoring their order. Father Milan explained clearly that he had not seen the signal and that, had he noticed it, he would have stopped immediately. Despite this explanation, the officers verbally abused him and began to assault him physically.

According to Father Milan, he was beaten for approximately fifteen minutes, causing him severe pain and distress. During the assault, he identified himself as a Catholic priest, but this was disregarded. Instead, he was told that priests and Buddhist monks in religious robes were responsible for destroying the country. Following this, the officers resumed beating him.

Father Milan pleaded that he had done nothing wrong and repeated that he had not seen the initial signal. He pointed out that he had stopped as soon as he was clearly instructed to do so. After the incident, he sought medical assistance and was admitted to hospital, where he remains under treatment.

This account represents the full truth of what transpired. Therefore, the statement issued by the media and the Police Media Division does not accurately reflect the complete situation.

We expect the law to be implemented impartially and correctly in this matter. It is the responsibility of the judiciary to determine accountability and appropriate punishment. We understand that the judiciary has already taken up this case. According to public reports, six police officers have been produced before court and remanded in custody. Furthermore, it has been reported that they have been suspended from duty. These developments indicate that legal procedures are now being followed.

As this matter is currently before the courts, all parties have the opportunity to present their cases. The court will determine responsibility and decide on any necessary punishment. We firmly believe that this judicial process must be conducted independently and without external influence. We place our trust in the independence of the judiciary and are confident that a fair decision will be reached.

It is also important to clarify that this is not an issue concerning the Sri Lanka Police Department as a whole, nor is it a matter concerning the government. Rather, it concerns the conduct of six individual police officers. Their behaviour in this incident was completely unacceptable. No individual has the right to physically assault another person, including members of law enforcement.

The police are empowered to issue fines, file cases, arrest individuals, and present suspects before court when an offence has been committed. However, they have no authority to engage in physical violence. Such actions are entirely wrong and contrary to the law.

Because of the conduct of these six officers, the Sri Lanka Police as an institution is now facing criticism and embarrassment. We sincerely hope that the rule of law in this country will remain strong and independent. The police have a vital responsibility to protect citizens, uphold the law, and maintain peace and order. These duties must be carried out with integrity and responsibility.

Our nation requires a law-abiding police force that works entirely for the good of the people. When individuals act outside these principles, the public has the right to speak out. Strengthening respect for the law is essential so that everyone understands that no one, regardless of status, is above the law.

If we are to build and strengthen our country, it is necessary that justice is upheld consistently and impartially. Through this process, public confidence in the legal system can be restored, and the dignity of all citizens can be protected.