Magistrate orders police to arrest Pera Uni. Students’ union leader over attack on don

By A.J.A Abeynayake

Kandy Chief Magistrate Srinith Wijesekera on Thursday (22) ordered police to arrest the head of the Peradeniya University Students Union, Anuruddha Vidanage in connection with a recent assault on former Vice Chancellor Prof. Athula Senarathne and his son.

Police said Prof. Senaratne’s son’s car had collided with a parked motorcycle, and following the accident a heated argument had ensued between the students and his son. Later, about 300 university students attacked the professor and his son.

Earlier the CID named Vidanage as a member of an unauthorised gathering, and for damaging property. Twelve students have been arrested over the attack and witnesses identified six of them at an identification parade.

 All 12 were further remanded until 04 January. Attorney Anura Senanayake who appeared for the students requessted the court to release them under any bail condition. However, lawyers appearing for the former vice chancellor and the university raised objections.