It was a time when rigid travel restrictions were in force  due to the coronavirus pandemic being at its peak and a person who was sauntering along a road in Jayawardenepura was challenged by the police officer at a checkpoint.

Police officer: Mahatmaya, aren’t you committing an offense? You should, surely, know the travel restrictions in force!

Pedestrian:  I have got the permission!

Police officer: Let me see your permit?

The pedestrian produces his national identity card.

Police officer: This is not a permit!

Pedestrian: Do you know who I am?

Police officer: It does not matter to me who you are! I am doing my duty!

Pedestrian:  Ise! I am an MP! ( He mentions his name.)

Police officer: If you are an MP, you could have come with your security officer!

Following a heated argument with the Police officer, the irate MP  phoned up a Police high-up and insisted that the Police officer should apologize to him for being ‘rude’ to him.

Thereafter, on an order from the high-up, the Police officer allowed the MP to proceed on his way.

However, when the Police officer returned to the Police station, his superior asked him to apologize to the MP.

The Police officer had a backbone to tell his superior pointblank that he was not prepared to apologize for he had done no wrong. 

When the MP pressed for an apology, the Police officer’s superior tendered an apology on behalf of his subordinate.

A few days later the Police officer got a transfer to another Police station!

The pedestrian who was involved in this incident is a national list MP nominated by the main party of the ruling coalition. 

The incident was placed on record as a tribute to the brave officer!