Gintota clash masterminded by ex-Prradeshiya Sabha member – Police

The clash between two factions at Gintota had been masterminded by a former member of the Bope, Poddala Pradeshiya Sabha, Police investigations have revealed.

“This Pradeshiya Sabha member, who is aspiring to be Chairman of the Bope, Poddala Pradeshiya Sabha had instigated the commotion through his supporters, using a motor accident as an excuse, a senior Police officer said.

The Police Officer also said that he had been directly involved in the operation to burn houses and shops. Among those arrested was former Pradeshiya Sabha Member Mohamed Niyaz alias Kaif Hussain.

CaFFE Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon said two of those involved in the attacks were Niyaz and Amila Nuwan, who are both friends and are contesting the Chairmanship of the Pradeshiya Sabha. Meanwhile, the Joint Opposition yesterday blamed the Government for not having brought the law and order situation under firm control thereby leading to the Gintota violence in the Galle District late Friday night.

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa told Ceylon Today that the tragedy triggered off due to the disagreements that Minister of Home Affairs Vajira Abeywardena had with a UNP Muslim Provincial Councillor, as history has proved before.

“This has always been the case with Vajira Abeywardena when it comes to a national election, he always clashes with this Councillor in a bid to grab his vote base, Weerawansa said, “This was an effort to divert the attention of the people away from the Bonds scam and the recent petrol crisis and we condemn the attacks unreservedly.”

Joint Opposition and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Leader Dinesh Gunawardena told Ceylon Today that there was a serious erosion of the law and order situation where the Police failed to take preventive action in time.