Buwanekabahu monument AG directs Acting IGP to arrest K’gala Mayor

• Directed to file charges against the individuals under the Antiquities Ordinance and Public Property Act

By Yoshitha Perera   

The Attorney General yesterday directed the Acting IGP to obtain a warrant and arrest the Kurunegala Mayor, Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Engineer and two other officials over the destruction of an ancient monument known as Buwaneka Hotel in Kurunegala.   

The AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said that the AG had also directed the Police to produce the individuals in the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court immediately.   
Accordingly the AG had directed the Acting IGP to issue warrants on Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa Vitharana, Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Nishantha Thilakaratne, Municipal Engineer Chaminda Bandara Adhikari and two other officials Illaludeen Sulfica and Lakshman Priyantha.   

The AG had also directed the Acting IGP to file charges against the individuals under the Antiquities Ordinance and Public Property Act.   

Issuing a statement, State Counsel Jayaratne further explained that the AG said the direction was given to arrest the suspects with regard to the demolition of a building in Kurunegala which had an archaeological value and it was believed to date back to the era of King Buvanakabahu.