By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The Police have released an official statement on the incident occurred in Koswatta, Thalangama yesterday (10), where ‘Aragalaya’ activist Piyath Nikeshala was assaulted by a group of assailants allegedly led by SLPP former Deputy Mayor of Kaduwela Chandika Abeyratne.
As Nikeshala was hospitalised, the ex Deputy Mayor was arrested by the Police and the social media activist thereafter.
The Police said an investigation has been launched based on a complaint claiming that the social media activist had been injured during a clash between two parties on Samagi Mawatha in Koswatte, Thalangama.
Nikeshala claimed that a group of assailants led by the ex Deputy Mayor had arrived in two vehicles and had assaulted him and damaged his vehicle.
A video footage streamed on Social Media reveals the activist being beaten, the ex Deputy Mayor appear on the scene, and a man holding a reaping-hook-like sharp object damage his car.
Nikeshala was admitted to the Thalangama Hospital with injuries, and the Police said that the activist has been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment.
An arrest on Nikeshala was also made following a complaint by Abeyratne the ex SLPP Deputy Mayor, who was receiving treatment at the Mulleriyawa Hospital.
The two are currently under the observation of the Police.
Piyath Nikeshala was a prominent figure in the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s movement in 2022.
