Five eyewitnesses have identified MP Wijenayake, says the counsel

Police were ordered to arrest Piyasiri Wijenayake, MP, and five other suspects suspected of killing Nanadana Balage, a supporter of opposition Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

The National Freedom Front (NFF) parliamentarian and others are accused of shooting Mr. Balage dead in Veyangoda, Gamapaha, while campaigning for western provincial council (WPC) elections.

The NFF formed by a dissident group of senior JVP leaders is an ally of the ruling coalition.

Counsel Lal Kumarapeli who appeared for the families of the victims told BBC Sandeshaya that eyewitness have clearly identified five suspects including the MP.

Veyangoda police also told in court that the MP's name was mentioned in witness statements.

"Five witness who were in the same van with Mr. Balage have clearly identified the suspects. They made statements to the police and to the magistrate to that effect," counsel Kumarapeli said.

The hearing was postponed until 06 May.

Police earlier said they did not receive any court order after the Attanagalla magistrate ordered to arrest MP Wijenayake on 17 April.