Police Media Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara told Asian Mirror that police Financial Crimes Investigations Division acted within its legal framework in obtaining a statement from former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at a secure place.

He pointed out that the police did not want unnecessary trouble but stressed that it will never surrender to protests.

He pointed out that Shiranthi Rajapaksa was not a suspect and the FCID only wanted to obtain a statement. Therefore, her appearance at FCID in person was not essential, Gunasekara said.

In any case, the investigating officials have the right to decide on where the statement should be obtained, Gunasekara added.

He pointed out that a certain group had gathered near the FCID on that particular morning. Furthermore, police got information that another group was due to arrive there. It would have led to unnecessary disturbances, Gunasekara said. The FCID only wanted a statement and therefore the officials decided to obtain it elsewhere, he explained.

However, Gunasekara stressed that the police will not bow down to protests if a certain individual had to appear in person at the FCID. In such an event, if there is a protest, the police will disperse it, Gunasekara warned.