A passenger was arrested for sexually assaulting flight attendants on a SriLankan Airlines flight. In another case, police are investigating a Rajapaksa family home in Kataragama, with statements collected from local officials. Additionally, a suspect was arrested for a rape incident at Anuradhapura Hospital, and the SPC reported issues with a tender awarded to the highest bidder resulting in a financial loss.
A 65-year-old passenger traveling from Mumbai, India to Katunayake was arrested for sexually assaulting flight attendants on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-144. The incident occurred after the individual, who is a dual citizen of Sweden and Nagadeepa, Jaffna, consumed excessive alcohol during the flight. He engaged in disruptive behavior and attempted to assault two flight attendants before being restrained by security personnel.
Once the aircraft landed at Katunayake Airport at 12:45 AM on March 12, security officers together with airport police detained the passenger. He underwent a medical examination which confirmed that he had been under the influence of alcohol. The suspect is set to appear in front of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court No. 01 on the same day.
In a separate investigation, the police informed that details regarding a house in Kataragama, allegedly owned by the Rajapaksa family, will be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has gathered statements from various officials, including the Basnayake Nilame of the Kataragama Devalaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya.
All statements collected will be sent to the Attorney General for further legal action. This includes input from local government bodies and the Kataragama Divisional Secretary, who had a role in issuing permits for the property’s construction.
Additionally, police arrested a suspect involved in the rape of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Hospital in the Galnewa area. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed the arrest in Parliament, emphasizing that legal proceedings will be maintained to ensure justice.
In another development, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has filed a complaint regarding a tender for 38,000 vaginal tablets, which they claim was awarded incorrectly to the highest bidder. The procurement process involved offers from several suppliers, with the lowest bidder, Klintas (Pvt) Ltd., being overlooked despite a substantial price difference. This decision reportedly led to a financial loss of 17 million rupees, and the SPC has escalated the matter to various health authorities for review.
The recent incidents highlight issues ranging from in-flight conduct of passengers to legal complications involving state properties and health procurement processes in Sri Lanka. The timely arrests and investigations demonstrate efforts to address sexual assault cases and misuse of tender procedures, although concerns regarding procedural integrity remain pertinent.
Original Source: srilankamirror.com
