Protester who climbed iron post referred to a psychiatric evaluation by Sri Lanka police

The Sri Lanka Police today said the man who climbed an iron post near the Horton Place roundabout yesterday, has been referred for a psychiatric evaluation.

The man now identified as Mahesh Asanga Soysa (31) of Homagama, climbed an iron post yesterday (14) near Viharamahadevi Park and remained there for over 15 hours claiming to commit suicide if the President did not personally speak to him to address his grievances.

The protester was produced in court today for disturbing peace and the Colombo Chief Magistrate remanded him until September 29.

Local media reports said the protester had told the police that he had been distraught over an alleged injustice suffered by his wife who works as a counselor on a voluntary basis with the Army.

His decision to climb the iron post had been prompted by this incident, he has said.