Uva polls aftermath: Police identifies perpetrators

Upon receiving several video footages pertaining to the election violence activities in the Uva PC elections; the police department had been able to identify several suspects involved in the Hali-ela political clash, Police said.

“The police department had been able to identify several people involved in the clash; several three-wheelers and other vehicles. The suspects are to be arrested following the investigations,” Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

Five vehicles had been damaged; one journalist was injured and a vehicle belonging to another journalist had also been damaged. During the investigation, it was established that those vehicles were moving from Bandarawela to Badulla at the time of the incident. “The attack took place in front of the Hali Ela Pradeshiya Sabha Office”, the Police Spokesman said.

Police also revealed the involvement of a number of provincial politicians in election violations before, during and after the election.

“Especially, the followers who were connected to the Pradeshiya Sabha and Urban Council members had been mostly involved in the incidents,” SSP Rohana said.

“There will be no chance left for the suspects who were involved in election violations to escape. About 22 election violation incidents have been reported so far after the Uva PC election. Three main incidents were reported from Haldummulla, Ethili Weva and Badulla. The violators will be punished irrespective of their positions.” The Police media spokesman added. (Chaturanga Pradeep, Indika Sri Aravinda)