May 15, Colombo: Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa says 230 suspects have been arrested in connection with 707 incidents that took place in eight provinces island wide since the attack on peaceful protesters by the former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s supporters on May 09.

The Police Media Spokesman further stated that 68 of the arrested suspects have been remanded so far.

The attack on peaceful Mina Go Gama protesters in front of the Temple Trees and Gota Go Gama protesters at Galle Face triggered a wave of violence attacks across the country.

Four persons have been arrested today in connection with the assault and murder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and the riots in Nittambuwa today.

Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa stated that the Criminal Investigations Department has arrested an employee of the Moratuwa Municipal Council today in connection with the attack on the peaceful protesters in front of Temple Trees and at the Galle Face.

The 49 year old resident of Moratuwella was arrested following an examination of the video footage identified the suspect assaulting a group of protesters in front of Temple Trees.

The CID has so far recorded statements from about 170 persons regarding the attacks, the Police Spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya today ordered to remand 13 persons including Sagara Piyathilaka, a businessman and Ven. Kurundankulame Suneetha Thero who were arrested in connection with the arson attack on the houses of Anuradhapura District Parliamentarian and a group of former Ministers until May 19th.

The suspects were arrested on 11 charges of vandalizing and setting fire to the houses of Anuradhapura District Parliamentarian and former Minister SM Chandrasena, Sehan Semasinghe, Duminda Dissanayake, Channa Jayasumana and several others and damaging property.

Another group is to be arrested in connection with the incident.