It was reported that the Walallawita Divisional Secretary, who had investigated the allegations of illegal sand-mining in the area, was assaulted by a suspect, Kalutara District Development Committee Chairman and Ports and Shipping Affairs Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said.
He said the incident had allegedly taken place in the presence of three police constables
He was replying to a query raised by Kalutara ASP Upul Nilmini Ariyarathna at a District Development Committee meeting organised by Kalutara Government Agent U. D. C. Jayalal, which was held at the Kalutara District Secretariat auditorium, recently.
"All sate officers should have the freedom to carry out his or her duties, without being influenced by any person. I consider this incident an attempt made by certain elements, to disrupt the services provided by the government," the minister said.
"Therefore, though I personally cannot interfere with police affairs, I would question what action had been taken by the police with regard to this incident,” he added.