Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Saruwa Liyanage Sunil was arrested by the Children and Women Bureau of Matara over the alleged rape of the minor girl.

According to the police, the wealthy PS chairman is the owner of a tea factory in which the victim’s mother works. Having seen the girl, he had contacted her over the phone and invited her to a guest house, where he allegedly raped the girl. The girl later lodged a complaint with the police which led to his arrest.

In Sri Lanka, the maximum penalty for rape is 20 years. “All suspects and convicts are given equal treatment irrespective of their designation or status,” said Police Spokesperson Ajith Rohana.

Baby raped

Separately, a one-and-a-half-year-old baby was raped by a 13-year-old boy in Siyambalanduwa, about 70km East of Colombo.

According to reports, the mother of the baby had left the child with her son’s teenage friend while she had gone to the well to fetch water.

On her return, she found that the boy and child were missing. After a panicked search around the house, she found the boy in the act of sexually abusing the baby.

The suspect was produced before the Siyambalanduwa magistrate and has been handed over to the Child Care and Probation authority. He will be produced in court on July 13.

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