Police Constable killed by drunk driver days before scheduled transfer

A police officer attached to the Ambalantota Police Station, who was on duty during the dawn of the New Year, tragically lost his life in the early hours of today (1) after being struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver who defied orders to stop.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 am at a roadblock near the Walawe River Bridge in Ambalantota. According to the police, a car travelling towards Ambalantota was ordered to stop by officers; however, the driver had ignored the command and swerved the vehicle into three police officers.

The deceased officer has been identified as Police Constable (82615) M. Sarath Kumara, a father of two residing in Wiriyagama, Suriyawewa.

Constable Kumara had already received a transfer to the Embilipitiya Police Station and was scheduled to depart from Ambalantota on the 3rd of January. A farewell ceremony in his honour had been organised for later today (1).

Two other officers were on duty with the deceased at the time of the incident. Among them, a Civil Security Department officer sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Ambalantota Government Hospital.

The vehicle involved in the hit-and-run was later discovered on the Ridiyagama Road, near Ambalantota town. The driver, aged about 23 years and a passenger, have been taken into custody. Police stated that both individuals were heavily intoxicated.

Further investigations are being conducted by the Ambalantota Police under the direction of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Aruna Lal.

Text and Pix by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi