Ranjan Ramanayake arrested for obstructing duties of police officers

COLOMBO (News1st): Former United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake has been arrested for obstructing the duties of police officers, police spokesman Jaliya Senaratne said. "This is very unfair. The government doesn't like us distributing goods," the former lawmaker who broadcast his arrest in a live stream on his Facebook page said. Ramanayake claimed that he had only been involved in distributing dry rations for those affected in the face of the novel coronavirus, and denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, a video said to be recorded by a police officer sharing in social media showed that Ramanayake in a heated argument with police officials at the entrance of the Madiwela housing complex who did not allow his physiotherapist to enter during the curfew. Ramanayaka was seen arguing with officers saying his physiotherapist, an official at sports ministry, brought vegetables and rice sacks in his vehicle. The former lawmaker found himself in controversy after he was arrested twice in January - first for being in possession of an unlicensed pistol, and for recording phone calls in which he had allegedly been discussing court cases with judges and law enforcement officials.