Police impound passport of provincial councillor

• Investigations to commence on “stoning of FCID officials” comment

By Shanika Sriyananda

The Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon has instructed the CID to commence investigations against Southern Provincial Fisheries Minister D.V. Upul who criticised the activities of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and its investigators. His passport was also impounded yesterday to assist the probe. 

Police Media Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekera told the Daily FT that the provincial politician’s remarks had intimidated the good work of the Police and also posed a threat to the Police Department and its officers.

UPFA Provincial Minister Upul at a meeting held in Tissamaharama had made a threatening statement saying FCID officials would be stoned to death if former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were to return to power. 

“Collect the name-list of those who are attached to the FCID from the Constable to the DIG. They should be stoned to death when Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes the prime minister of this country. We are waiting till that day arrives,” he was quoted as saying by the media.

The FCID, which is still investigating over 80 cases against allegations of corruption and financial fraud, has already questioned Rajapaksa family members including former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

“It is a punishable offence under the Penal Code of Sri Lanka and the said Provincial Minister could be arrested at any time for his threatening statement to the Police,” Gunasekara said.

However, Upul has refuted the allegation saying that he did not threaten the FCID and his statement was misinterpreted.