The Mayor of the Hambantota Municipal Council, Eraj Fernando, has been arrested by police in connection with the attack on a street drama group performing in Hambantota.  

The Mayor and his supporters were accused over the attack on the street drama troupe, ‘Weediye Virodaya’ organized by civil society member and veteran artist Jayathilake Bandara.

Several persons including Bandara and the Opposition Leader of the Hambantota Municipal Council Ayub Khan were also injured in the attack which took place near the Hambantota bus stand.

The troupe was also assaulted at Eppawala on December 05 allegedly by supporters of SM Ranjith Samarakoon, Chief Minister of North-Central Province.

The Hambantota Mayor gained notoriety earlier this year when he chased away UNP MPs who were conducting an inspection tour to Mattala Airport and Hambantota Port brandishing a firearm, which he later claimed was a ‘toy gun’.

The United National Party (UNP) has condemned the attack and accused the government of encouraging the criminal activities of its “goons”.

“Eraj Fernando is a symptom of the disease the Rajapaksa government has inflicted upon this country.”

“From the highest echelons of power to local level politicians this regime has not only provided impunity for corruption and violence to thrive - it has actively encouraged these criminal activities,” UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya said in a statement today.