2.7.4 Release of arrested person on bail The 18-year-old student who was arrested in connection with the Rambukkana incident was released on two-person bails of Rs. 50,000 each. Kegalle Magistrate VasanaNavaratne also ordered that the student be produced before the Kegalle Judicial Medical Officer, and the case is set to return to court on April 28, 2022.71 2.8 Developments on 22 April 2022 2.8.1 Statement of Minister of Public Security in Parliament Minister of Public Security, Prasanna Ranatunga clarified his earlier remarks made in Parliament when inquired about his previous statement by MP Lakshman Kiriella. “The Police cannot simply stand aside and watch if a bowser caught fire and many died, and if it did happen, the Police would have to field allegations as to why they simply stood aside and let 300 people die”. Minister Ranatunga further stated that “policemen who work for ten to fifteen hours a day are human too and need security as well.”72 2.8.2 Magistrate court proceedings The second day of the court proceedings regarding the Rambukkana incident were held. Witnesses told the Kegalle Magistrate WasanaNawaratna that they had witnessed the police setting fire to the three-wheeler. According to one witness: “A police officer set it on fire. There are ample videos showing a police officer setting it on fire. Even I can be seen in the video. The actions of the police will be revealed in the coming days”. Another witness stated “A police officer and an STF officer arrived at the location. Three more people came behind them. The thin and tall person set-fire to the three-wheeler.” Further, a witness had said to the Magistrate that a police officer had chased the victim Chaminda Lakshan along a by-road, and shot him while the victim attempted to protect a motorcycle that was parked on the road. He further stated, “I attended the protest. But Chaminda Lakshan didn’t participate in the protest. He was sick. He had undergone a plastic surgery on his head. I saw with my own eyes how the police officer shot him. They started attacking people by chasing them. They then opened fire.”73 ‘#Rambukkana Shooting: Teenage suspect released on bail’ News First, 21 April 2022. https://www.newsfirst. lk/2022/04/21/rambukkana-shooting-teenage-suspect-released-on-bail/ 72 ‘#Rambukkana: Prasanna defends previous statement in Parliament’ News First, 22 April 2022. https://www. newsfirst.lk/2022/04/22/rambukkana-prasanna-defends-previous-statement-in-parliament/ 73 https://www.newsfirst.lk/2022/04/22/rambukkana-shooting-eye-witness-accounts-reveal-startling-details/ 71 20