COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two members of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha who were arrested for forcibly declaring open the Polathumodara Bridge, were remanded until May 17 after they were produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.

The chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha and several others had forcibly opened the bridge yesterday (May 11), at around 9 a.m. The Polathumodara Bridge was constructed with funds given by Japan International Cooperation Agency and was to be declared open by Minister Sagala Ratnayaka.

An uneasy situation arose when the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha, Pushpakumara Beddage, attempted to unveil the plaque. Two Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha members were arrested for obstructing the police from carrying out their duty.

Following the incident, the group marched towards the Weligama Pradeshiya Saba and engaged in a protest before a number of VIP vehicles.

A few hours after the incident transpired, the bridge was re-opened by Minister Sagala Ratnayaka.