The Police Media Division has issued a statement regarding a video currently circulating on social media that depicts a Sri Lankan individual assaulting a foreign national.
According to the statement, the incident in question took place in the Weligama Police Division in February 2024. The foreign national, identified as a Filipino tourist, lodged a complaint at the Weligama Police Station on February 14, 2024. He reported that he was assaulted by a Sri Lankan while visiting the Weligama area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the tourist had been visiting Sri Lanka and was touring the Weligama area, documenting his experiences using a camera. While filming near a section of Weligama beach known for water skiing, an employee at the location reportedly objected to the recording. During the confrontation, the employee allegedly attacked and kicked the foreign national.
Following the complaint, officers from the Weligama Police Station promptly arrested the suspect—identified as a 24-year-old resident of the Pelena area in Weligama—on the same day, February 14, 2024. He was subsequently produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court. The case is scheduled to be recalled for further hearing on September 11, 2025.
The Police Media Division emphasized that Sri Lanka Police responds swiftly to complaints made by foreign tourists, whether reported directly to police stations or through videos circulated on social media. This includes cases involving assaults or other forms of harassment by individuals.
However, the statement also noted a concerning trend where certain individuals or groups continue to re-circulate videos of previously resolved incidents—sometimes long after arrests have been made and legal proceedings initiated—presenting them as recent events. These repeated circulations may create a misleading impression of ongoing issues.
The police further stated that investigations will be carried out to determine whether those responsible for repeatedly sharing such outdated footage are doing so with the intent to defame the country or for other motives. Legal action will be taken against any parties found guilty of such activities.
