An investigation has been launched into an alleged physical confrontation involving Shantha Padmakumara, a National People’s Power (NPP) MP for the Ratnapura District, and a police officer attached to the Suriyakanda Police.

The officer, who is currently receiving treatment at Embilipitiya Hospital, alleges that he was intercepted and assaulted by the MP and a group of individuals while returning home from duty on the night of 20 December. According to the complainant, the group arrived in a vehicle and issued death threats before the alleged attack took place.

The incident is reportedly linked to a cannabis raid conducted by the Suriyakanda Police on 16 December in Bulutota. The officer had been part of the team that seized several cannabis plants hidden within a maize and manioc plantation.

Reports indicate that the land where a cannabis plant was found allegedly belongs to the father-in-law of Shanta Padmakumara, who had reportedly permitted a 24-year-old local resident to use the land for cultivation. Following the raid, the suspect was fined Rs 3,000 by the Embilipitiya Additional Magistrate. The initial report was that the land belonged to Padmakumara.

Padmakumara has also lodged a formal complaint with the police against the officer.

Padmakumara also complained to the Parliament’s Privilages Committee with regard to the incident and said he has no connection to the incident and it was the Suriyakanda OIC who had spread malicious rumous linking his name to the raid.