Suspects under police custody |
The two parties involved in the Pepiliyana fashion store incident had agreed to settle the case and all 17 suspects arrested in connection have been warned and released by the Gangodawila Magistrate, local media reported
Yesterday three Buddhist monks surrendered to police over the attacks at the clothing store. Last week a violent mob had stoned and later set fire to a clothing store and warehouse in Pepiliyana, causing severe damage to property and injuring at least three people.
– Sunday Times
( story caption is form SLB)
(Mirror) – Three clergymen along with the 17 suspects were brought before Nugegoda Magistrate Ajith M. Masinha today and were released after SDIG Anura Dissanayaka informed that parties are willing to settle the matter.
Advising the suspects Magistrate Maasinha stated that members of the Clergy should preach the Buddhist teaching to unite the society, not divide it.
Dampahala Rahula from KoraLawalla Raja Maha Vihaara, Dampahala Gnaanaratana, Anuraadhapura Paalitha were the clergymen who were among the arrestees. Other suspects were T.H.M Premakumara, Sajith Lakmal (communication center owner), P.K.chandrasiri (Businessman) prabhath Jayashanta and few others.
Meanwhile, UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya, at a media briefing, pointed out that Papiliyana incident has brought Sri Lanka nothing but Shame.