Negombo Additional Magistrate Darshima Premarathne directed CID to conduct an investigation and report its progress regarding a sexual harassment complaint tied to Hayeshika Fernando’s tuition centre, popularly known as ‘Teacher Amma.’
The case involves a 19-year-old suspect who has been accused of sexually harassing a 24-year-old former female employee of the centre. According to court submissions, the alleged incident took place around 9:30 p.m. on 6 May during a power outage at the premises. Despite reporting the incident to the tuition centre authorities and accompanying them to the Katana Police Station, no immediate action was taken by the police, her lawyers told the court.
In a separate complaint, the suspect claimed he was assaulted by Hayeshika Fernando, her husband, and several others after the incident came to light. He alleged that he sustained serious injuries, including to his testicles, and had to be hospitalised.
The suspect was later arrested by police while receiving treatment for dengue and appeared before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for the first time on 16 July. He was granted bail under a Rs. 500,000 surety. He had earlier been released on bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on 17 May.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing on behalf of the victim, requested the court to expedite the investigation. He informed the court that the case is now under the direct supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Negombo, following complaints lodged with the Women and Children’s Bureau and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Attorney Ranjan Jayasinghe represented the suspect. Inspector Wickramasinghe and Constable Udaya Kumara appeared for the Negombo Crimes Division, while Attorneys Chandani Dayaratne and Asha Ratnayake represented the aggrieved party.
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