The five suspects arrested in connection with the attack on Aluthgama journalist Thusitha Kumara de Silva and his wife Anusha Kumari have been remanded until 20 December when they were produced in the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court.

The journalist and his wife were assaulted on 6 December by the suspects, alleging the scribe of providing information to a newspaper on an artificial toddy racket.

The five suspects have been identified as Anura Wimalasinghe, Rohan Weliwita, Sudesh Silva, Daminda Silva and Dilanga Gunaratne.The suspects who are residents of Kalutara and Beruwela areas had reportedly been engaged in the illegal artificial toddy production, and enraged by the journalist exposing the racket.

The attackers reportedly demanded the journalist stop reporting on the illegal manufacture and trade in toddy. They also robbed the victim’s money and cell phone during the attack.

The injured journalist and his wife had been initially admitted to the Aluthgama hospital, but later transferred to the Nagoda General Hospital for further treatment.

The suspects were arrested while hiding in Beliatta, Neboda, Narahenpita and Moratuwa areas.

Two remanded for assaulting group of journalists