BY CASSENDRA DOOLE AND RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY Courtesy The Ceylon Today

The last rites of the man, who died during a clash between villagers and police in Embilipitiya, was held at the Nawa Nagara cemetery, yesterday (10) afternoon.
The youth, who was reportedly injured after jumping from an upper floor of a house during the incident, succumbed to his injuries last Thursday (07).
The death had triggered a hartal and protests in the Embilipitya Town with some angry mobs setting fire to tyres on the road.
Four policemen and three civilians were hospitalized with injuries following the clash during a festivity at a residence on Nawa Nagara Road in Embilipitiya on 4 January.
It has been reported that two policemen had asked for liquor from the homeowners after the start of the house party and the ensuing argument between villagers and the police officers had escalated into fisticuffs.
Afterwards another group of police officers had arrived at the scene resulting in further clashes with attendees of the event and ending with several individuals from both groups being hospitalized.
Speaking to the media Police Media Spokesperson ASP Ruwan Gunasekera said that an ASP had received a phone call stating that there is a loud noise being reported from the party and that the neighbours were severely inconvenienced. The Embilipitiya Police was then informed to immediately report to the location and look into the matter.
ASP Gunasekara further added that four police officers responded to the report and that a group of individuals at the party had dragged the four police officers to the top floors of the buildings and assaulted them.However Police Media Spokesperson noted that an investigation will be conducted into the incident under the supervision of Ratnapura Superintendent of Police.
Meanwhile, 21 police officers of the Embilipitiya Police including its HQI have been transferred. Police Media Spokesperson, ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that they were transferred on a temporary basis as an investigation into the death of the youth is underway.
The transfers have been made to the Seethawaka and Kegalle Police Divisions.
Media Spokesman of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), Human Rights Commissioner Saliya Pieris said that a team of the HRCSL had visited the area and the scene, taken down statements from the Police and were presently engaged in conducting further inquiries.
“Once the preliminary report is prepared and comes out, we will decide what to do,” he added.