RPCs condemn attack on Lelwala estate executives

19 January 2016 03:29 am

Condemning the recent attack on the manager and the field executive of the Lelwala Estate managed by Elpitiya Plantations, the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have urged the authorities to take immediate and strict action against the perpetrators. 

Estate Manager Pradeep Vithanage and Field Executive Eranga Hettiarachchi were violently assaulted after collecting evidence on illegal encroachment on estate land – owned by the government – and therefore, it is the responsibility of the authorities to bring the culprits to justice, the Planters’ Association of Ceylon – which represents the RPCs – states.

Subsequently police have apprehended two out of the four suspects and the Magistrate Courts, Baddegama remanded them till yesterday. The authorities have failed to apprehend the other two suspects up to now.

After being assaulted with cinnamon poles by four individuals, both Vithanage and Hettiarachchi were seriously injured and had to be hospitalized.