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Alleged assault on UNP MPs: H’tota mayor denies charges
Hambanthota Mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando, in a dock statement, rejected allegations that he threatened or assaulted UNP Parliamentarians during their inspection tour to the Magampura Port and the Mattala Airport in 2014.
Mr. Fernando told Hambanthota High Court Judge Thamara Tennakon this week that after he heard that Hambantota residents were agitating against the UNP MPs’ inspection tour, he visited the sites carrying a toy pistol with the intention of providing a safe passage to the MPs.
He said he safely led the Parliamentarians to their bus and this could be ascertained by examining the video visuals.
Three other accused — Premasiri Paranamana, Mahamadakalapuwage Madush Tilan and Bindu Sri Warnasinha — did not make dock statements.
The judge allowed Deputy Solicitor General Deleepa Peiris’ request to call another accused Tuwan Bagaman to make a dock statement on February 29. He is at present undergoing treatment after an accident.