Three arrested over Gampola Thera’s death

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Three persons including an Army deserter who allegedly caused the death of the Viharadipathi of the Gampola Thambiligala Sri Bodirukkarama, Venerable Matara Vimalananda Thera (78) were arrested by a special police team, SSP Gampola Police Division, Roshan Fernando told the Sunday Observer. The Thera was allegedly killed as a result of a hand grenade being hurled at a procession following the election day.

Fernando said four police teams were deployed to arrest the main suspect, the army deserter from Pimbura in the Kalutara area who launched the grenade attack. “He was the one who lobbed the grenade. We have evidence regarding this attack from other priests at the temple. “Two more suspects arrested in this connection along with the main suspect were produced before the Gampola Magistrate and remanded till February 12,” SSP Fernando said.Meanwhile, the special Police team arrested a former Army man linked to the incident in the Alawathugoda area recently.

SSP Fernando said the Venerable Vimalananda Thera had stood near the bo-tree at the temple when he was struck by a piece of grenade, injuring him grievously. The post-mortem examination report of the JMO Kandy states that the Thera had died due to excessive bleeding. Of the seven persons who sustained injuries, two succumbed to injuries.

The injured were admitted to the Gampola and Kandy hospitals. The incident followed the Presidential Elections when a clash broke out between supporters of various parties.

The fracas erupted when a hand grenade was lobbed at a group of persons going past the Thambiligala temple on January 27. Police said they are looking for a JVP Pradeshiya Sabha member and another Army personnel who masterminded the attack.

Further inquiries are being conducted under the direction of Senior DIG Central Province Gaminni Navaratne, DIG Pugith Jayasundera and SSP Roshan Fernando.