UNP Provincial Councillor Shantha Abeysekara was arrested for allegedly damaging the vehicle of UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara at the Chilaw town last night, police said.

A protest campaign with the participation of some 300 people against the electricity tariff hike was held at the Chilaw town around 6.30 pm yesterday.

Shortly after the protest began thugs headed by UNP Provincial Councillar had allegedly attacked the protestors causing injury and damage to vehicles including that of UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror Range Bandara said his vehicle was damaged extensively following the attack.

“These are people who support Ranil Wickermesinghe and this clearly shows that they don’t want anything done against this government. We deplore this dastardly act. We were protesting against what the poor people of this country believe to be an unfair burden and this is how the goons of the UNP behave" he alleged.