Hirunika explains why she hugs police officers

If they come with batons and other weapons, we should try to stop them peacefully

• Says but they have never asked her to move aside 

Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya National Organiser and former MP Hirunika Premachandra said that she was blamed for hugging police officers, but they have never asked her to move aside when doing this gesture.

“They also have the same problems that we have. If the police are coming with batons and other weapons, we should try to stop them in a peaceful manner,” she told the media at the Press Institute yesterday.

Earlier, ASP Nevil de Silva appearing with Cinnamon Garden Police informed court that former MP Hirunika Premachandra used to give hugs to the police officers during public protests as a tactic to make them uncomfortable.

He informed court that on a number of occasions Hirunika Premachandra used to give hugs to the police officers who were on duty, and he further said this is an act police believe is her modus operandi (a pattern of criminal behaviour).

ASP Silva made these remarks while producing 15 suspects before Court who were arrested for committing a number of offences during a protest held at Colombo 7 on last Monday (14).