Police sergeant remanded after alleged drink-driving crash injures Badulla pedestrian

A police sergeant attached to the Hali-Ela police station has been remanded until 13 November after allegedly driving a three-wheeler while intoxicated and injuring a 79-year-old pedestrian in Badulla.

Police said the collision occurred on 6 November near Subaddharamaya on Badulla-Spring Valley Road. The pedestrian was admitted to Badulla General Hospital and was receiving treatment in Ward 11.

The officer, who is 48, was arrested on 7 November on allegations of negligent and dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was brought before the Badulla Magistrate's Court the following day, when the remand order was issued.

According to police, a doctor at the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit confirmed that the sergeant had consumed alcohol. Blood and urine samples were sent to the Judicial Medical Officer for further testing.

Badulla police are continuing their investigation into the collision. The allegations against the officer remain subject to the court process; the remand order is not a finding of guilt.