The sister of Piyal Manamperi, a former SLPP local council member arrested over the discovery of 50,000 kilograms of chemicals suspected to be used in crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) production in Middeniya, has alleged that he was severely beaten in custody despite having undergone chest surgery.

Speaking to the media in tears, she claimed that her brother told their mother, “Amma, they are hitting me,” and accused police of ignoring his medical condition. She further said that the family is under virtual house arrest, unable to step outside, and that Manampeeri’s wife has also been remanded despite having a three-month-old baby.

“The children are traumatised. We are not allowed to go out, and no one is allowed to visit our home. Early this morning the STF surrounded the entire house. Are we expected to pay the price for one person’s wrongdoing?” she asked.

Piyal Manamperi was produced before the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court and ordered to be detained and questioned for seven days by the Western Province North Range Crime Division, which led the raid on 5 September.