Police said that a personal dispute between Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha member Hasitha Madawala and the five suspects led to his killing as they found out that the suspects are close relatives of a woman who lodged a police complaint few months ago against the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and Madawala.

The Parliamentary Secretary of Minister Mervyn Silva identified as Sunil is the brother of the woman and the organizer called Rangana is her son.

Police also stated that any individual irrespective of their status would be taken into custody over the killing of Madawala.

The five men including the Parliamentary Secretary and an organizer of Minister Mervyn Silva who were arrested on Tuesday, are now being held under detention orders by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The funeral of the late local government member was held yesterday in Waragoda, Kelaniya under tight security.

During the funeral his supporters were shouting slogans urging the President to save Kelaniya from corrupt politicians and from their thugs. Madawala had been one of the strongest critics of Minister Silva.

Meanwhile, the Western Province (North) Division investigations unit found two swords and a live hand grenade from a house used as a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) office of the Kelaniya SLFP branch in Nunnangoda area in Kelaniya. A woman was also taken into custody by the unit during the raid. (Supun Dias)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)