Former UNP Councillor arrested over Rs. 160 million fraud

Colombo, July 19 (Daily Mirror) - Former Horana United National Party (UNP) Municipal Councillor Renuka Damayanthi has been arrested by the Wattala Police over a financial fraud involving six textile businessmen from Pettah.

It was reported that the suspect deceived the businessmen by issuing bounced cheques, defrauding them of a sum amounting to nearly Rs. 160 million.

The woman had reportedly been evading the businessmen for some time. However, upon receiving a tip-off that she was present at the Sirikotha party headquarters yesterday (18), the businessmen had visited the location.

A tense situation subsequently arose between the businessmen and the suspect at the premises, leading the Mirihana Police to intervene and arrest all the individuals involved.

During the investigations by the Mirihana Police, the businessmen presented their official complaints against the former councillor. Accordingly, the Mirihana Police handed the female suspect over to the Wattala Police for further action.

The suspect was produced before Wattala Acting Magistrate Merril Boteju today (19), who ordered her to be remanded in custody until the 21st of this month.