Investigations reveal the man, a resident of Gampaha who had been staying close to Sadevmi’s home, has fled the area along with his brother.

He has several previous child abuse charges against him, including the abducting, raping and dumping of two girls at a paddy-field in Bemmulla, for which he was out on bail.

The CID has raided several locations in Gampaha and other areas, but could not find him.

When contacted by Sri Lanka Mirror, DIG of the CID Ravi Seneviratne said they do not have a picture of the suspects in order to seek public assistance to trace them.

Cabinet subcommittee to probe child abuse

Meanwhile, law and order minister Thilak Marapana told parliament yesterday (22) a cabinet subcommittee has been appointed to inquire into and enforce the law with regard to child abuse.

He added the children and women’s bureau of the police would be strengthened further.