STF finds arms cache, Fonseka’s posters at temple

The Special Task Force personnel recovered 54 hand grenades and two T-56 rifles from a temple in Colombo yesterday. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara confirmed that the grenades and assault rifles were recovered from Bodhirajarama Temple in Maligawatte last evening.

Reports said several posters and propaganda material in support of New Democratic Front Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka too were found during the raid.

It is alleged that these military items were aimed at using to unleash violence by the JVP-UNP backed main opposition to unleash violence on the eve of the Presidential elections. Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa alleged that the chief incumbent of the temple. Ven. Uwathenne Sumana thero who is an active supporter of the United National Party is publicly campaigning for Fonseka’s candidature.

A major disaster was averted due to the timely recovery of weapons as the Opposition is making desperate attempts to initiate such acts to put the blame and discredit the government, Weerawansa said.

A special Police team is making investigations to find whether yesterday’s recovery has any link to the grenade attack on the residence of Tiran Alles.