Buddha sasana Dy’ minister assaults officer

By Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe

U.K. Edirisighe, an individual who was allegedly assaulted by the deputy minister for Buddha Sasana M. K. D S Gunawardene over a vehicle issue, and who had lodged a police complaint, is being constantly harassed by ‘some persons’ to withdraw the complaint, Lakbimanews learns.
Due to fear and constant harassment, the victim has decided to request for a transfer to the Finance ministry, sources said.
It is said that the reason behind the assault was his query from the deputy minister regarding four vehicles the minister had been using. He made the inquiry on consultation with the auditor. These inquiries were made on the day prior to the assault.
Sources say that the Deputy Minister had allegedly assaulted the employee in his office room. The incident had taken place on June 28.
The victim went to the casualty ward of the Colombo National Hospital to obtain treatment for the injuries he had received as a result of the assault, and doctors decided to admit him to hospital -- ward 72.
Police officers at the national hospital had recorded a statement of the victim. He had complained that the minister had assaulted his face and torso, and had scolded him in filth. Our attempt to contact the deputy minister failed.