British dpl visits police over motorcade picture

COLOMBO: Police yesterday accepted the explanation of a diplomat of the British High Commission in Colombo pertaining to a photograph of a motor cavalcade of President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his mobile phone.

"We can confirm that a British Diplomat (the Head of Political and Development Section at the High Commission) was asked to visit a police station today [Friday] so that a photograph of the President's motor cavalcade on his mobile phone could be examined.

"He co-operated fully and we believe that the police were satisfied as they allowed him to leave the police station after he had explained his actions," a release from the British High Commission stated.

It said the individual is new to Sri Lanka and made a genuine innocent mistake in taking the photograph, which was for personal interest as a souvenir.

"There was no other intention behind the action. The High Commissioner is satisfied with the explanation he has given and regrets any concern caused to the Sri Lankan Government," the release added.