CID arrests barber for attempting to extort money from former First Lady

By Norman Palihawadane

The CID has taken into custody a barber who allegedly attempted to extort money from former First Lady Ayoma Rajapaksa.

Police headquarters sources said that the suspect had allegedly phoned the former First Lady and had attempted to extort one million rupees.

The CID said that the suspect had been identified as a 37-year-old resident of Salamulla, Kolonnawa, and is reported to have demanded money from the former First Lady several times.

Investigations have revealed that the suspect had taken part in anti-government protests at the Galle Face Green.

The police said that the former First Lady had received 19 telephone calls on the first day, eight calls on the second day, and three calls on the last day.