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Assault on protesters: Police to quiz Johnston Fernando soon 

22 May 2022

By Skandha Gunasekara Former Minister Johnston Fernando will be questioned by the Police in the coming weeks over his alleged involvement in the mob attack carried out on peaceful protesters on Galle Road and at the ‘GotaGoGama’ site at Galle Face on 9 May, The Sunday Morning learns. Victims of the assault and rights advocates have charged that the Police is yet to question MP Fernando and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa over their alleged involvement in the incident. Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa told The Sunday Morning that Police and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigations were ongoing regarding the violent incidents of 9 May and that Fernando would be questioned on his alleged involvement in the attack, which had allegedly been carried out by agitated supporters of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) following a gathering at the Prime Minister’s residence at Temple Trees. “The Police and CID are working around the clock on the investigation. They will soon record a statement from MP Johnston Fernando, perhaps in the next few weeks,” the Spokesman said. When asked about the delay in Fernando’s arrest, the Spokesman said that the Police and CID were working on the instructions of the Attorney General and were currently gathering evidence. The Police is yet to record a statement from former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who also addressed the gathering at Temple Trees on 9 May. “The Attorney General in his directive said that arrests must be made if there is evidence. We are still investigating to determine if such evidence is there before arresting individuals. We have already arrested several politicians over the incident under this directive,” Thalduwa said. Yesterday (21), the CID recorded statements from Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne and Special Task Force Commander DIG Waruna Jayasundara. Thus far, a total of 1,348 people have been arrested in relation to the violent events of 9 May.  MP’s murder: Suspect arrested  The Police last week arrested a suspect linked to the murders of SLPP Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his bodyguard in Nittambuwa. Athukorala and his bodyguard lost their lives following the violence unleashed on protesters at Galle Face. The 29-year-old suspect, a bus driver and resident of Nittambuwa, was arrested by the CID last Friday (20).  A coroner’s report into the death of the Parliamentarian indicated that he had succumbed to injuries sustained while being assaulted.  Police have asked the public to come forward with any information they have regarding the murder and other incidents of violence, arson, and looting that occured on 9 and 10 May.   


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