Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of boys under the age of 18, following an investigation by the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Bureau, BBC Sinhala reporeted.

According to the Police Media Division, the suspect is a 38-year-old businessman who was taken into custody based on a complaint received by the Bureau.

Police said a complaint was lodged on 24 November last year alleging the sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy. In response to a query by BBC Sinhala, the Police Media Division confirmed that investigations were initiated after the matter was reported to court by the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Bureau.

As part of the investigation, police conducted searches at the suspect’s residence in the Kandy area and his business premises in the Peradeniya.

During the inspection of electronic devices at the business premises, investigators recovered video material from a laptop computer allegedly depicting the sexual abuse of more than 30 boys believed to be under the age of 18. Police said the footage included victims other than the complainant named in the initial complaint.

The Police Media Division said further investigations are ongoing into the recovered video material, with the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Bureau continuing inquiries to identify additional victims and determine the full extent of the alleged offences.

Police said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.