JVP infighting expands to fisticuffs

Infighting between the two groups of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) took a new turn yesterday as five people were admitted to the hospital with injuries received during a clash with the party members.

The clash occurred over the ownership of a party office at Jaliyagoda in Kesbewa in Colombo district. The office is operated by former parliamentarian and Kesbewa Urban Councilor Lakshman Nipunarachchi.

A dissident activist of the JVP, Kannangara, under whose name the Kesbewa party office is registered, appeared in the office today to claim ownership, JVP sources say.

Nipunarachchi says the dissident group forcibly entered the office and assaulted a JVP member and damaged some office equipment. A motorcycle and several mobile phones were also damaged, sources say.

The dissident group of the JVP says that a group led by Nipunarachchi launched the attack against them.

Piliyandala police are investigating the incident. (Colombo Page)