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.
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