17 villagers released on bail after fresh clash in Weliweriya

A priest injured and temple property damaged after enraged residents on Friday night confront factory officials over animal sacrifice ritual

Seventeen people arrested for allegedly clashing with officials of the controversial rubber glove manufacturing factory in Nedungamuwa, Weliweriya were released on bail last evening by the Gampaha Magistrate Tikiri Jayathilake.

The incident occurred on Friday night when villagers got news that an animal sacrifice ritual was being performed in the Weliweriya Uruwela Sabha Temple.

The villagers told the Sunday Times that they rushed to the temple on hearing the sound of drums from the area. When they entered the premises they found that officials from the factory and its suppliers were performing an animal sacrifice and a ‘ Thovilaya’.

An argument ensued between the two parties that eventually resulted in a priest being injured and damage to temple property. Weliweriya and Malwathuhiripitiya police arrested 17 villagers including four women for their alleged involvement in the incident.

The villagers were produced before Gampaha Magistrate K. Jayathilake who granted surety bail of Rs. 100,000 each and ordered them to report to the Gampaha police today. In addition the suspects were ordered to appear in Courts tomorrow.

Before the clash on Friday night villagers who were objecting to an agreement reached by the Manager of the company and Ven. Theripehe Siridhamma Thera of Galoluwa Sri Sambudathwa Jayanthi regarding the reopening of the factory were seen agitating earlier in the day in front of the factory.