AG directs Police to arrest 22 people linked to Monday mayhem

Attorney General yesterday directed the Inspector General of Police and the Senior DIG in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department to arrest and produce in court 22 people including Ex-Ministers, and Members of Parliament who are linked to the attack on the MynaGogama and GotaGoGama peaceful protest sites on Monday 9 May.

Among the 22 people named by the Attorney General is Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Thennakoon.

Ex-Minister Johnston Fernando, Ex-State Minister Sanath Nishantha, MPs Sanjeewa Edirimanna, Milan Jayathilake, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando, Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagamage, Dan Priyasad are also among those named by the Attorney General.

The AG’s order comes as the Socialist Youth Union protested outside Police Headquarters demanding that those actually responsible for violence at Galle Face on 9 May be arrested and legal action taken.

Police yesterday said another 159 individuals have been arrested on Sunday in relation to the violence and unrest reported at Galle Face and opposite the Temple Trees. The latest move is in addition to 230 those arrested pertaining to 707 violent incidents including the burning of houses reported across the country since 9 Ma