Minister de Silva accused JVP of 'terrorising' UPFA supporters

Senior government ministers told journalists in Ratnapura that supporters of United National Party (UNP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are attacking ruling party supporters.

Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister John Seneviratne and Minister GL Peiris attended the press briefing.

However, most of the complaints over election violence were lodged against supporters of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

	"I am here to wipe out violent politics"

Referring to an incident in which UNP Chief Ministerial candidate was assaulted in Gallella, Minister Seneviratne accused Ranjan Ramanayaka of provoking the incident by addressing ruling party supporters.

The UNP and the JVP, for their part, accuse the ruling UPFA of engaged in a violent campaign.

Popular actor turned politician Ranjan Ramanayaka did not deny that he addressed UPFA supporters minutes after a UPFA elections rally.

He told BBC Sandeshaya that he wanted to create a ‘fresh political culture’ in which party supporters settle their differences through dialogue.

Interdicted officials 'reinstated'

The government has, meanwhile, decided to reinstate police officers interdicted over failing to prevent election violence in Ratnapura district.

A Presidential advisor told BBC Sandeshaya that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has decided to reinstate five police personnel.

It is not clear as to why only one policeman still remains interdicted.

The judiciary earlier strongly criticised the conduct of police in the wake of increasing election violence in Ratnapura district.

The police have arrested only JVP supporters after a clash between UPFA and JVP supporters in Nivithigala on 10 August.

Sabaragamuwa Deputy Inspector Genearal (DIG) of police, Upali Hewage, earlier accused the JVP of inciiting violence while marching in Nivithigala town.

Court warns police

And Wewelwatta police produced a confusing B report after an incident in which Ranjan Ramanayaka and UNP parliamentarian Dunesh Gankanda sustained injuries.

Ratnapura Magistrate and Additional Magistrate warned police to be impartial in their investigations over election violence.

The district is marred with continuing violence despite repeated pledges by both parties, journalist Ajith Lal Shantha Udaya reported.

Elections for Sabaragamuwa and North Central PCs are to be held on 23 August.