No arrests in Ampara clash

Thursday, 1 March 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Skandha Gunasekara

Authorities are yet to arrest anyone involved in Monday’s clash in Ampara, which left three injured and several establishments damaged.

Police media spokesman, Ruwan Gunasekara, told the Daily FT yesterday that while the investigations were ongoing into the violence, no suspects had been arrested.

“So far we have not been able to arrest anyone responsible for the clash. Our officers are carrying out investigations as we speak and we hope to apprehend suspects soon,” he said.

SP Gunasekara went on to say that security forces were still stationed in Ampara. “Police officers along with Special Task Force personnel have remained in Ampara to maintain the peace and to ensure no further incidents happen.”

The unpleasant incident is said to have taken place due to a rumour regarding a local eatery that had allegedly been serving contaminated food.

Ampara police had been called to the restaurant to resolve the issue but had been unable to contain the situation. Subsequently, an angry mob had attacked several shops in the area, compelling authorities to bring in more police officers from nearby police stations as well as contingent of STF troops.

As a precautionary measure, security forces were deployed to safeguard religious places in the area as well.