The Police have taken rapid follow up action on the Chief Engineer at the Western Province Road Development Authority (RDA) office in Udugampola over an assault on a female staffer.

The official is in question has been arrested and immediately suspended from work pending an inquiry, State Minister Nimal Lanza informed Parliament, a short while ago. Meanwhile, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, an influential political figure in the Gampaha district, distanced himself from the rumours that the Chief Engineer in question was one of his close allies.

“There is no truth in these rumours. In fact, I requested the Provincial Governor to take action against the said official after I watched the video which was widely shared on social media,” Ranatunga posted on Facebook.

Sri Lankan social media erupted following the release of a video showing a senior staff officer at the Road Development Authority (RDA) Udugampola office assaulting a female staffer.

The shocking footage of extreme workplace violence against women drew reactions from prominent political leaders, activists, journalists and other civil society figures who demanded immediate action. Among them was Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapaksa.