Five suspects in connection with the mob attack against a group of Rohingya refugees last week, were arrested yesterday by the Police, bringing the number arrested to six. The latest suspects to be arrested were Liyanage Abeyrathne, Suresh Priyasad alias Dan, Janitha Niroshana Deepagey, Nawalage Don Chinthaka Sanjeewa and Nanayakkara Godakanda Kankanamlage Gayan Madushanka Senevirathne.
One of the main suspects in the incident, Dan Priyasad who was also arrested, had before his arrest, posted a message on his social media page that the Police had visited his house to arrest him and that he is now in hiding.
The person identified as Chinthaka Sanjeewa, according to sources, was nabbed in Enderamulla yesterday afternoon. They say the suspect was identified as one of many who had hurled stones during the attack. The Mount Lavinia Police also arrested a 42-year-old woman yesterday, on suspicion of taking part in the attack.
The arrested suspect identified as Kalyani Podi Menike, a resident of Ratmalana, was later handed over to the Police Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).
The refugees were taking shelter in a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) safe house in Mount Lavinia when they were set upon by a group. The Police also arrested another suspect on Friday in Rawatawatta, Moratuwa. According to the Police, the 34-year-old, was a member of the Bodhu Jana Peramuna and had contested in the previous election under its banner. He was remanded till October 9 by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate.
On Tuesday, a group protested outside a shelter housing 31 refugees, creating a tense and volatile situation in the area.