Police Constable Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident During New Year Roadblock Duty

With the awareness that thousands of motorists travel home on the final night of the year, the Sri Lanka Police deployed officers along all major roads across the island to protect the public from reckless and intoxicated drivers.

In line with this operation, Police Constable 82615 Mr. M. Sarath Kumara, attached to the Ambalantota Police Station, was on duty on New Year’s Eve, conducting vehicle inspections at a roadblock near the Walawe Ganga Bridge in Ambalantota.

At approximately 2.30 a.m., the officer reportedly signalled a suspicious vehicle to stop using his flashlight. However, the vehicle failed to slow down, struck the officer in a severe collision, and fled the scene, leaving fellow officers and the public shocked during what should have been a time of celebration.

Immediate arrangements were made to transport the injured officer to the Hambantota General Hospital using a 1990 ambulance. Despite urgent medical intervention, hospital authorities confirmed that Police Constable Sarath Kumara succumbed to severe head injuries at around 4.05 a.m. on 01 January 2026.

Late Police Constable M. Sarath Kumara, who joined the Sri Lanka Police on 01 February 2009 after completing his training at the Elpitiya Police College, was a father of two. A permanent resident of Sooriyawewa, opposite Weeriyagama School, he had served at several police stations including Hambantota, Mattala, Sooriyawewa, and China Harbor. He was transferred to the Ambalantota Police Station on 31 December 2024.

The fleeing vehicle also struck Civil Defence Force Officer 9902 Saman Banda, who was on duty alongside the police officer. He sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Hambantota General Hospital.

Police officers who pursued the suspect vehicle later located it concealed inside a house in the Rideegama area of Ambalantota. The suspect driver, identified as a 21-year-old male, was arrested on the same day. Additionally, three other suspects, including a woman, were taken into custody for allegedly assisting him in evading arrest.

Upon being produced before the Honourable Court, the suspect driver was remanded until 08 January 2026. The remaining suspects are scheduled to be produced before court today, 02 January 2026.