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Violence brings back shadows from the past
The recent death of a University student and a series of attacks on JVP Offices is causing renewed fear that the political violence of the late 1980s may resurface again.
The spate of violence during the previous week has resulted in the government and JVP trading allegations. While the government claims the attacks on JVP offices is the work of mobs reacting to the death of a University student, the JVP alleges the government is behind the violence.

Wimal Weerawansa, in his speech in parliament said that according to information they possess the JVP office at Pannipitiya had been attacked by personnel of the Prime Ministerial security division.

The Premier angrily denied these charges and told the JVP to desist from slinging mud without any proper evidence.

Interior Minister John Amaratunga told The Sunday Times that these attacks were 'by the public' reacting to the death of the University student earlier in the week.

He said he had instructed the police to conduct investigations into all the attacks and arrest whom ever was responsible.

O V Samantha, a third year student of the Jayawardenapura University's Management Faculty succumbed to his injuries after being attacked inside the campus. Fifteen persons have been arrested in this connection and among them were activists of the JVP.

It was revealed at the Magisterial inquiry that the students were assaulted by members of the students council.

Talangama police say the investigations are continuing.

3 more identified in the disco brawl
By Tania Fernando
Three more persons involved in the Trans Asia brawl were identified at the identification parade held on Friday at the Magistrates Court.

It is alleged they belong to businessman Ravi Wettasinghe's security outfit and were identified by the hotel staff and those who were allegedly attacked at the hotel.

This was the third identification parade held after the incident in which a total of five persons allegedly involved in the incident, have so far been identified.

The assault is said to have been started allegedly by Mr. Wettasinghe when he had said disliked the face of a guest at the Library, the members only exclusive club at the hotel.

Mr. Wettasinghe who was arrested was later released on police bail.

The person who had allegedly used a weapon to threaten those at the night club was identified at a parade held on Wednesday. Another person attached to the security of Mr. Wettasinghe was identified at a parade held on Monday.

The original complaint was made to the Slave Island Police Station but the case was later transferred to the CCD on the instructions of Interior Minister John Amaratunga.

A further hearing would be held on November 25.

Mr. Wettasinghe has been told to appear in courts, on this day.

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