The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, a short while ago, Hon. Namal Rajapaksa raised certain matters. I wish to respond.

¶ 02 Based on credible information received by the Criminal Investigation Department, local searches are being conducted these days. Accordingly, in recent days, a house in the Matara area was searched on the basis of confidential information received by the CID. Generally, in such searches, the local police are not informed. However, CID officers properly identified themselves to the occupants, produced their identity cards, and explained the matter. The search was conducted with the consent of the occupants. Afterward, a statement was recorded from a person in the house, as is standard. Going forward, in such instances we will also report the facts to the nearest court. We will report to the relevant Magistrate in due course.

¶ 03 Additionally, regarding the unfortunate incident raised today by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition—an alleged grave sexual assault of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura Hospital—the police have promptly intervened and commenced investigations, which are ongoing. The suspect has been identified; he is a deserter from the army. His current area of residence has been traced. Five police teams have been deployed to apprehend him. I believe he will be arrested swiftly. We will expedite investigations and bring all responsible to justice.