An investigation has been launched by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) into a deadly exchange of fire that occurred yesterday morning at a police checkpoint in Padukka, involving an SLAF Corporal. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the Commander of the Air Force, has ordered a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The confrontation led to the death of the Corporal, who was part of the Air Force Rugby pool. He succumbed to his injuries after being taken to the hospital, marking a tragic end to the altercation. The incident occurred on April 8, 2024, and the police have disclosed that the shooting was in connection with a previous incident that took place within the Moragahena Police area on April 7, 2024.
The deceased airman, who joined the SLAF on June 18, 2009, was attached to the Air Force Base Ratmalana and was a noted member of the Air Force Rugby Team. Reports suggest that the Corporal was on leave at the time of the incident.
Details provided by the police indicate that there was an attempt by the officers at the checkpoint to apprehend the Corporal in connection to the earlier-mentioned shooting. This led to an exchange of fire, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life.
The SLAF has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation to ascertain the sequence of events that led to this tragic confrontation. The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety protocols and the circumstances under which service members interact with civilian law enforcement agencies.
Further information will be released as the investigation progresses, with both the SLAF and the police working closely to uncover the details surrounding this unfortunate series of events.
