JVP says the arrest is politically motivated

Opposition party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said on Monday that the leader of Patriotic National Centre (PNC) affiliated to the JVP, Dambara Amila thero, was arrested by the police in the weekend.

The monk was arrested after he made a scathing attack on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's conduct at a recent election rally to support former military commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka's candidacy, according to the JVP.

JVP parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP, told the journalists that the arrest was made based upon allegations against Amila thero's former driver.

'No accusations'

He was arrested after police received complaints of him collecting money to send people abroad, according to media reports.

The monk was later produced in court and remanded in custody.

"But, according to our information, there was no mention of Dambara Amila thero in those allegations. The complaints were made against the driver," he said.

Although the monk is in custody, the parliamentarian added, the police have so far failed to arrest the accused driver.

The JVP alongside with the major opposition United National Party is supporting General Fonseka's candidacy for the presidential election due to be held in 2010.