The Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB) arrested Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam on Monday after he reported to investigators following an official summons.
The arrest forms part of an ongoing police inquiry into public remarks made by Kariyawasam regarding Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.
The CCIB launched a special investigation into the politician after he delivered a media address at the party headquarters on 3 August.
During the briefing, Kariyawasam cautioned the Police Chief to serve the state and the public rather than the government, making reference to former police chiefs and suggesting that the incumbent could face a violent end on the roadside.
He also expressed a hope that the police chief would not go down in history as the 37th Inspector General of Police to be beaten to death by members of the public.
The comments immediately drew widespread condemnation from government officials, who viewed the statement as a direct threat against the top law enforcement officer.
The SLPP subsequently rejected allegations that the remarks constituted a death threat, claiming that the statement was taken out of context and was intended to highlight concerns over fair policing.
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