SLPP Member's Drug Charges Unrelated to Recent Container Issue, Police Confirm

COLOMBO — Police have clarified that there is no connection between a recent drug-related case and the 323 containers that were released from the port, which has been a topic of public concern.

According to Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler, the container numbers involved in the drug case do not match those of the 323 containers.

Meanwhile, a former local councilor from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Piyal Manamperi, has been arrested in connection with the discovery of nearly 50,000 kg of raw materials used for manufacturing the drug 'Ice' (crystal methamphetamine). Police confirmed his arrest in the Middeniya area, citing his alleged involvement.

The raw materials were found on the property of his brother, Sampath Manamperi, who had contested in the Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha election under the SLPP ticket and is currently on the run. The discovery was made during the interrogation of other suspects, including 'Kehelbaddara Padme.' It was also revealed that a person known as 'Backhoe Saman' coordinated the transport of the raw materials.

Following the incident, the SLPP issued a special statement, signed by General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. The statement confirmed that Sampath Manamperi's party membership was immediately suspended, citing a "zero-tolerance policy" for such charges. The party also expressed hope that the investigation would be concluded swiftly to reveal the truth to the public.