Wimal Summoned Again by Tangalle Crimes Division

COLOMBO(New 1st); Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been summoned once again to appear before the Tangalle Crimes Investigation Division, police confirmed today.

According to police sources, Weerawansa has been instructed to present himself at the division at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The summons is in connection with a public statement he made regarding Weerasinghege Sarath, also known as "Beliatta Sanaa," who was recently arrested on drug-related charges.

Weerawansa had previously appeared before the division yesterday to provide a statement concerning his remarks. During the inquiry, he reportedly stated that he had never met the individual in question—referred to variously as Sarath, Beliatta Sanaa, or Puwakdandawa Sanaa—and had never identified him as an active member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

The former minister clarified that his comments about state involvement in drug trafficking and enforcement were general observations about the prevailing situation in the country, and not specifically directed at the case.

Weerawansa further explained that his reference to the suspect as the owner of the boat allegedly used to transport narcotics was based on information revealed by media outlets at the time. He also addressed speculation surrounding President’s visit to the area during the recent local government elections, stating that the President had dined at a local hotel not at the suspect’s residence, as some reports had suggested.

Police have indicated that they are considering legal action against Weerawansa for allegedly making statements that could be deemed knowingly false or misleading.