Former Nawalapitiya UC Chairman, 7 others remanded over gambling

• Magistrate orders them to be produced for  PCR test  

 By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Ranjith Rajapaksa   

Eight people including the former Chairman of the Nawalapitiya Urban Council who were arrested for gambling at a restaurant in Ginigathhena were remanded till May 5 by the Hatton Magistrate yesterday.   

Police said the suspects were arrested when officers of the Ginigathhena Police and the Hatton Division Crimes Unit carried out a raid on Wednesday night following a tip off.  The police also seized the ex-chairman’s jeep and another vehicle.  They said the suspects were arrested on charges of violating the Quarantine Prevention Act.   The arrested suspects aged between 28 and 40 were identified as residents of Hatton, Nawalapitiya, Ginigathhena, Ambagamuwa and Lakshapana.   

The former chairman who was representing the UNP had resigned from the post to contest the general elections from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.   The Magistrate also ordered the prisons officers to produce the suspects for PCR tests considering a request made by the police.   

•  Suspects arrested on charges of violating the Quarantine Prevention Act