The Kiribathgoda Police has arrested a Muslim woman and nine members of her family who ran a small scale garment business at Roseville Garden, Hunupitiya on suspicion of having ‘robe materials’ of Buddhist monks in possession, the Sunday Observer learns.
The Muslim woman with three married daughters and five grandchildren live in a rented house in Roseville Garden, Hunupitiya. They were arrested by the Police under emergency regulations on information received from residents of the area. “About ten days ago, their tenant had tipped off the Police stating that they were suspicious about this family who were in possession of ‘rob materials’ of Buddhist monks. Orange poplin material among other colours was in the house found during a search operation by the Police. Although the Police was convinced that this was a false alarm villagers pelted stoned at the house and entered it with swords and knives to attack the family.
The STF rescued the family and handed over them to the Kiribathgoda Police station,” International Human Rights Activist Muheed Jeeran said. “This was an unfair and unfortunate incident. Although the Police knew the family is innocent they had to investigate due to objections raised by villagers.
The family was detained for 21 days under a court order. Speaking to the Sunday Observer, WSP Madara Ariyasena of the Peliyagoda Division, confirmed that the family had been arrested on suspicion of carrying out extremist activities. Investigations are underway.