Our reporter was able to photograph Sudharman Radaliyagoda, the Deputy Chairman of ITN, who has been warranted by a Court, visiting Thalangama Police Station yesterday (29th) to attend to one of his friend’s affairs. He has arrived at the police station in a VVIP Pajero bearing the reg. no. 64 -1727.
On July 19th Colombo Fort Magistrates Court issued a warrant to arrest Sudharman Radaliyagoda on a charge of providing a forged document to two scrap iron traders to obtain 1,828 tons of scrap iron. He had obtained Rs.1.5 million from the scrap iron traders using the forged letter heads of Sri Lanka Telecom.
Despite a month has gone by since the warrant has been issued, Sudharman Radaliyagoda is still at large. What is interesting is a person who has been warranted by a Court comes to a police station and mediates in affairs of police officers. Also, Sudarman Radaliyagoda is able to continue his profession at ITN and meet senior officials of the government without any hindrance.
However, what procedures would be taken by officials who are responsible for law and order in the country if a supporter of the opposition or an ordinary citizen is warranted is anybody’s guess.
The police that have been made to arrest people who paste posters to defend their right for freedom of speech and expression have been made to keep mum regarding such instances
LT