Deputy Minister held over Kahawatta killing

by Kurulu Kariyakarawana

Police took in for questioning the absconding Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Premalal Jayasekara alias ‘Choka Malli’ yesterday morning, following the death of a New Democratic Front supporter in Kahawatta.

On a tip-off, a special police team raided a house in Beruwala and nabbed the UPFA politician who was hiding there, Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

The Deputy Minister along with several others were at large following a brawl in Kahawatta between NDF and UPFA supporters that led to a shooting incident last week.

An armed group in eight vehicles stormed in and opened fire at around 200 NDF supporters who were setting up a stage for an upcoming election rally for the Common Opposition Candidate Maithripala Sirisena.

Several people sustained serious injuries including Kahawatta Trade Association President Shantha Dodamgoda, who succumbed to his injuries on election day.

The Pelmadulla Magistrate had issued warrants to arrest the absconding Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councillor Aruna Nilantha and Kahawatta Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Vajira Dharshana in connection with the shooting incident.

The suspect was produced before the Pelmadulla Magistrate yesterday, and remanded till January 12.

The Kahawatta incident was the only death reported in the 2015 Presidential election campaign, the police said.