Two suspects in election day shootout arrested in India and brought back

Two suspects who absconded to India after being involved in an election day shootout that killed four including a presidential advisor in Sri Lanka have been arrested by Indian authorities and have been repatriated.

Government spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told media that the Cabinet is “disturbed” after the shootout on Saturday, the same day as the local government elections were held in the country.  He insisted that the Government was taking all measures to investigate the incident and bring the offenders to justice. Six people have already been arrested and a cache of 16 illegal weapons were seized by Police earlier this week.

“The moment we heard that these suspects have run away to India we immediately coordinated with Indian security officers to arrest them and return them to Sri Lanka. They will be arriving in Sri Lanka today,” he said.

The Minister admitted that the Government would have to take tough measures to stamp out intimidation by armed gangs with political protection, but stressed that this could be done successfully.