UPDATE : Protest over killing of businessmen in Rathgama called off

A protest which was staged against the abduction and alleged killing of two businessmen in the Rathgama area was called off a short while ago.

The protest was called off following an undertaking given by the Police to arrest the policemen who were involved in the incident.

Rathgama residents protest abduction and killing of businessmen

A protest was launched at the Rathgama junction by area residents today (Feb 24) over the abduction and alleged murder of two businessmen last week. 

Area residents who are currently staging a protest have obstructed the Galle-Colombo Main Road and the Muhudu bada railway track.

Heavy traffic congestion was reported along the Galle-Colombo main road due to the protest while the movement of several trains that were scheduled to travel along the Muhudubada railway track were also affected.

It is reported that police officers had not been deployed to control the estimated 300 residents which included family members and close relatives of the victims who are carrying out the protest. 

A tense situation arose when Special Task Force personnel had attempted to control the situation. Three army personnel were also injured when a group of army personnel had arrived at the scene of the protest.