Sri Lanka, Jan. 2 -- A Police officer on patrol duty in Ambalanthota has died after a car struck him and a Civil Defence Force officer before fleeing the scene.

Ambalanthota Police reported that the incident occurred in the new year morning. A police officer and a Civil Defence Force officer, who were on beat duty in Ambalantota town, were hit by a white car that did not stop.

The Police officer, who sustained critical injuries, passed away after being admitted to the hospital yesterday (1).

The deceased has been identified as Police Constable (82615) Sarath, who was attached to the Ambalantota Police Station. The injured Civil Defence Force officer, Dissanayake, was also hospitalised.

The two officers were inspecting vehicles near th...