Sexual exploitation of 15 year old girl Police probe continues with two more arrests

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Despite allegations that the probe into the sexual exploitation case on a 15-year old girl from Mount Lavinia had been swept under the carpet, the police yesterday said investigations were continuing and two more arrests had been made.

Police Spokesman SDIG Ajith Rohana said that in total 43 suspects had been arrested as of Monday (August 2) including the arrest of a 42-year-old building contractor from Kalutara and an owner of a mobile shop in Moratuwa.  

The Police are continuing investigating the case following the arrest of a 35-year old man on June 7. The investigation was initiated based on the revelations made by the 15-year-old victim and her mother who is also one of the suspects, and the main suspect, police said.  

It was revealed that the main suspect had published numerous advertisements on websites luring people to sexually exploit the victim.  

Then, the police widened its investigations into the case and at least seven police divisions were continuing their investigation into the rape and sexual abuse of the girl.  

 Since June 7 this year, Police have arrested several suspects including the Deputy Chairman of the Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha, former State Minister of Maldives, gem merchants, a cardiologist from the Sri Lanka Navy Hospital, a police officer, hotel managers and a former manager of a bank.  
They were produced before the Court from time to time over allegedly sexually abusing the victim. Also, several website owners were arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the crime, by advertising to sell the girl for sexual purposes.   

SDIG Rohana said investigations into the case is still ongoing and investigation officers will take further action to arrest all those who are involved in the case following the outcome of the investigations.  

Police said that the investigation has been expanded to analyze all the phone records, websites, bank records, CCTV and other information that have been uncovered.  

Police said that the case is still being heard in courts and on several occasions, the Attorney General had appointed several State Counsels, including an Additional Solicitor General to advise on the need to expedite investigations and to file evidence properly.