Attack on Maithri's vehicle: woman gets 6 years RI

The woman -- who pleaded guilty to the charge of having provided accommodation to a female LTTE suicide cadre who blasted an explosive-laden jacket at the vehicle escorting former minister Maithripala Sirisena -- was sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs.50,000 on October 9, 2008.

The case was heard by High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka.

The accused Rattibatuge Ariyawathi (61) of Wellawatte was indicted in the Colombo High Court by the Attorney General on charges of having provided accommodation to female LTTE suicide cadre Vigee Gajabalani.

She was also charged with not providing information to the police about LTTE suicide cadre while she was living at her house in Wellawatte.
The suicide attack resulted in the escort vehicles being damaged and three security forces personnel injured and one civilian killed. The minister escaped unharmed. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)