Arsonist arrested in Ambagahahena

A gang that entered a house at Ambagahahena in Kotadeniyawa forcibly had set fire to a motorcar, a trishaw and a motorcycle in an attempt to spark off communal unrest in the area, the Police said.

“They had attempted to give the impression among the residents that a Muslim family was living in the house.the owner stated to Police that the vehicles valued more than Rs.10.63 million had been gutted and rendered useless,” a Police officer said.

During investigations, Kotadeniyawa Police arrested the main suspect wanted in connection with the incident.

The suspect B.A. Mahesh Kumara of Kotadeniyawa area was produced before Minuwangoda Magistrate Kesara C.A. Samaravdivakara and was remanded till May 27.

The Police told the court that the complainant was not a Muslim but his sister-in-law was married to a foreigner who visits Sri Lanka at times.

PC 3439 Karunadasa of the Kotadeniyawa Police informed the court that the suspect would be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.