MP Wijesekara is accused of stealing MPs' official vehicles

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Trincomalee district MP, Jayantha Wijesekara was arrested on Friday by Kaduwela police on suspicion of stealing official vehicles of two dissident JVP legislators.

Speaker WJM Lokubandara has ordered police to conduct investigations after dissident JVP MPs, Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Suranga Jagoda, complained that their vehicles were stolen from the MPs' garage at the parliament on Wednesday.

Both MPs expressed support to JVP parliamentary group leader, Wimal Weerawansa, on Tuesday.

Vehicles 'belong to JVP'

Police has earlier informed MP Wijenayake that MP Wijesekara who came with a group has forcefully removed the vehicles from the garage.

	Mr. Herath says accusations against MP Wijesekara are part of the conspiracy

A police officer on duty who was assaulted by the group was admitted to the hospital, MP Wijenayake told BBC Sandeshaya on Wednesday.

Counsels appearing for the accused MP argued that the vehicles belonged to the JVP and not to the individual MPs.

The counsels requested Colombo magistrate to release the legislator on bail.

Objecting, the police said the case has already created a political controversy. The police officer who was assaulted is still being treated in Kalubovila hospital, police pointed out.

Conspiracy against "popular MP"

The two stolen vehicles were arrested by the police at the JVP headquarters in Colombo.

Piyasiri Wijenayake, MP, earlier told BBCSinhala.com that the vehicles were bought by the individual parliamentarians, and not by the party.

Rs.45,000 is deducted every month from his salary for the official vehicle, the MP added.

Senior JVP leader Vijitha Herath on Thursday told BBS Sandeshaya that the accusations against “popular” MP Wijesekara were part of a wider conspiracy against the JVP.

Remanding MP Wijesekara in custody until 17 April, the magistrate ordered prison officers to provide him with special security.