Sri Lanka Police have commended Mohammad Izadeen Arshad Ahmed, a 25-year-old electrician, for his courageous attempt to rescue a schoolgirl who was abducted in Daulagala on 11 January.

Ahmed, who was waiting for a bus at Sapugahatathanna junction, missed his regular ride when a black van approached. As two female students passed by, one was seized by a man inside the van and dragged into it. Hearing their screams, Ahmed immediately rushed to help.

He bravely tried to stop the van by hanging onto its door, but as the vehicle sped off, a person inside pushed him, causing him to fall, sustaining minor injuries.

Police later located the girl in Ampara this morning, and the main suspect was arrested. The van driver was arrested on 12 January.