Bid to set fuel bowser on fire: Public Security Minister makes inquiries after suspect gets bail

Mirihana arsonists yet to be apprehended

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Public Security Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has made inquiries from the relevant authorities about the circumstances that led a person being arrested in connection with an attempt to set fire to a fuel bowser, during the recent disturbances at Rambukkana, where one protester died in police shooting.

A spokesperson for Ranatunga said that an explanation had been sought soon after the Kegalle Magistrate granted bail to the suspect taken into custody. The official said in response to The Island queries whether the Public Security Ministry had initiated an inquiry to find out whether lapses on the part of law enforcement authorities had led to the suspect being granted bail.

The suspect was released by the Kegalle Magistrates Courton on two sureties of Rs. 100,000 each. However, the suspect was remanded as no one offered to meet the bail conditions. The CID arrested the 27-year-old person on the night of 22 April, following the telecast of a video where the suspect is seen to be trying to set the fuel bowser on fire.

The Island also brought the development to the attention of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL). A senior BASL official said that the outfit would inquire into the Kegalle development and their position could be stated depending on the outcome of the inquiries.

The attempt to set a bowser ablaze at Rambukkana prompted the government to decide on military escorts for bowsers and trains carrying fuel.

Meanwhile, Minister Ranatunga has instructed the police to ensure that the ongoing protest campaign wouldn’t hinder the movement of vehicles, especially buses, trucks and ambulances. Acknowledging the right of the public to engage in protests, Minister Ranatunga said that the police should take necessary action to ensure movement of vehicles, including those carrying essential supplies and school vans.

Minister Ranatunga’s spokesperson pointed out that two persons wanted in connection with the setting fire to two buses belonging to the Army and the Police during protests at Pangiriwatte were yet to be apprehended. The police recently released video footage of the suspects while requesting for public assistance to apprehend them.