Five Councillors Arrested After Galle Municipal Council Clash

COLOMBO (News 1st); Tensions that boiled over at the Galle Municipal Council yesterday, led to the arrest of five opposition councillors.

Police confirmed that those taken into custody include Prabath Senewiratne and Mohamed Yasir of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Jilith Nishantha and Kapila Kohombanney of the United National Party (UNP), and Nimali Champika of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.

The arrests came after a group of opposition members allegedly assaulted the Municipal Secretary during heated exchanges over the legality of the previous budget approval.

The situation escalated when councillors reportedly hurled water at officials, disrupting proceedings.

Police have recorded statements from the assaulted secretary, while the Mayor has also lodged a complaint, claiming he was targeted during the fracas.

The clash involved representatives from the UNP, SJB, and SLPP, who accused the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) of violating procedures in passing the budget.