Former Member of Parliament Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero appeared before the Nugegoda Magistrate's Court today, following a warrant for his arrest that was issued on 18 August by the Colombo Magistrate's Court.

According to police, the warrant was issued in connection with the alleged abduction of Ven. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thero, who is the General Secretary of the Ape Janabala Party. 

The alleged abduction was reportedly carried out to prevent Wimalatissa Thero from being appointed to the party's National List parliamentary seat.