Five individuals, including an opposition Member of Parliament, were arrested for allegedly behaving in an unruly manner and using criminal force to obstruct the proceedings of the Galle Municipal Council during a special general meeting.
Those arrested include two United National Party (UNP) municipal councillors, one Podujana Eksath Peramuna (PEP) municipal councillor, and two Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) municipal councillors attached to the Galle Municipal Council.
Police said the suspects are accused of throwing water at the Municipal Council Secretary and other officials, thereby disrupting official duties. After recording statements, they are scheduled to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court today (31).
The incident occurred yesterday (30) when the Mayor commenced the council session. Opposition members staged a protest against the council secretary and officials, leading to a tense situation inside the chamber.
The dispute reportedly arose over the manner in which the secretary and officials entered the council chamber, following disagreements during the budget vote held earlier.
Despite the unrest, the Mayor proceeded with council business according to the agenda. However, upon announcing a forthcoming committee meeting, a group of Joint Opposition members allegedly hurled water bottles towards the area where the secretariat officials were seated.
As the situation became increasingly difficult to control, the Mayor adjourned the council for 30 minutes. During this period, opposition members continued to shout and behave disruptively, further escalating tensions within the council chamber.
