Court orders arrest of deputy minister over attack on Opposition meeting
Tuesday, 6 January 2015 02:00
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The Pelmadulla Magistrate Court yesterday ordered the police to arrest a deputy minister of the Sri Lankan Government for the shooting at a campaign rally of common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena.
The Pelmadulla Magistrate ordered the arrest of Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara over the shooting early this morning at Sirisena’s supporters decorating a stage for a public rally.
A group who arrived in six vehicles at the venue opened fire on the supporters, who were setting up the stage for a final campaign rally, injuring three, one seriously.
Police media spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said the police have identified the perpetrators and a vehicle they used.
After conducting further investigations the police have provided the magistrate court with the names of three suspects including the Deputy Minister and two local government members.
The magistrate has issued an order to arrest all the suspects in connection with the shooting. He further ordered immigration and emigration officers to prevent the suspects from leaving the country.
As the election campaigning comes to a close at midnight today, the attacks on Opposition rallies have heightened concerns among local and international election monitors.
