Nov 18, Colombo: Anuradhapura Magistrate Ruchira Weliwaththa yesterday directed police to arrest all the suspects related to a post-election violence incident in which the names of several regional bigwigs of the government of Sri Lanka were mentioned as culprits.

Following a statement made by a renowned Buddhist monk regarding the demolition of property of United National Party (UNP) Anuradhapura district manager late Dr. Raja Johnpulle, the magistrate ordered the police to arrest and produce the suspects regardless of their status.

The monk said that he witnessed the presence of North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, his son and Minister Duminda Dissanayake and several other politicians in the mob that set fire to the house, clinic and vehicles of Dr. Johnpulle who was a physician by profession.

The Magistrate said that the police is deliberately concealing the names of certain suspects to the Courts. He further stated that the witnesses are reluctant to give evidence and the police have lost the people's confidence since the investigations were not conducted properly.