Police officer identified one supporter of Wijesekara

Trincomalee district legislator Jayantha Wijesekara told journalists and supporters that the police was part of the conspiracy.

He was speaking in front of Colombo magistrate court, after the court granted bail to the MP and two other JVP supporters arrested on suspicion of highjacking official vehicles of dissident JVP MPs.

One suspect identified

Kalutara district legislator Piyasiri Wijenayake earlier told BBC Sandeshaya that MP Wijesekara and his thugs have taken away vehicles belong to him and Achala Suranga Jagoda, MP, from MPs’ garage at the parliamentary complex.

The conspirators portrayed a picture of a bandit and tried to imprison me Jayantha Wijesekara, MP

The police officer on duty at the garage was assaulted by the group, he added.

The two MPs pledged support to JVP parliamentary group leader, Wimal Weerawansa, who split from the party.

Jayantha Wijesekara and two supporters were granted bail of Rs. 5000 each and Rs. 100,000 personal bail for each by the magistrate on Monday.

The police officer who was allegedly assaulted by the group could only identify one suspect at an identification parade held at the court.

War 'depend on' elections

Colombo magistrate postponed further hearing until 26 May.

“The conspirators portrayed a picture of a bandit and tried to imprison me,” Wijesekara, MP, told the journalists.

	Wijenayake, MP, (R) and MP Jagoda's vehicles were stolen at the parliament

The “judgement” on Monday, he said, proved that the charges were part of a conspiracy.

The government and the opposition have already launched campaigns for eastern Provincial Council (PC) to be held on 10 May.

The JVP, that supports President Mahinda Rajapaksa, contest separately while the ruling coalition has joined hands with Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) led by Pillayan.

Journalist assaulted

Addressing an election rally in Kantale, senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, MP, said the continuation of war against the LTTE in the north will depend on the outcome of the elections.

Meanwhile, the crowd gathered to welcome MP Wijesekara have assaulted LankaeNews journalist Shantha Wijesuriya in front of the court premises.

He has tried to take photographs of the MP and two other suspects when the incident happened, according to LankaeNews.

The journalist was earlier barred from a press conference organised by the JVP leadership to explain their reasons for the split.