One suspect has been arrested in connection to the protest against National People’s Power (NPP) MPs Wijesiri Basnayake and Ajith Gihan during their visit to a private apparel factory in the Bingiriya area yesterday.
Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that investigations are underway to arrest eight more suspects involved in the incident.
The arrest comes after video footage emerged of MPs Wijesiri Basnayake and Ajith Gihan being accused of extortion during their visit to the garment factory.
The video shared by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara shows a group accusing the MPs of extortion as they arrived near the gate of the factor, protesting their visit.
MP Wijesiri Basnayake revealed that they had visited the factory for a discussion as previously arranged, but a group had misbehaved as they were exiting the premises.
The video footage also shows the protesting group blocking a jeep with the logo of “Member of Parliament”, and verbally abusing and attacking another van.
The protesters told the media that persons linked to the NPP, who are currently engaged in the transportation activities of the garment factory, are trying to remove the existing group and take full control of the transportation activities.
“A lot of people run these vehicles under finance loans. This group is attempting to remove all of them and provide their vehicles. They claim they are doing this because it is their government and they are telling us to leave. As we did not agree to several requests before, they have started coming to the factory to influence,” the protesters alleged.
NPP representatives have denied the accusation revealing that they had requested the MPs to stop extortion gangs who are linked to defeated politicians. (Newswire)
