Tense situation between police and FSP members

A tense situation has erupted between the police and supporters of jailed Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) member Kumar Gunaratnam in front of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

 

The tense situation arose during a protest by the Frontline Socialist Party calling for the release of Kumar Gunaratnam. Yesterday, the Kegalle Magistrate's Court today sentenced Kumar Gunaratnam to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of Rs.50,000 over breaking immigration law. Activist of the Frontline Socialist Party Premakumar Gunaratnam alias Kumar Gunaratnam who possesses the Australian citizenship, was arrested on November 4 by the Kegalle Police at Anguruwella for staying in the country in violation of Immigration and Emigration laws without a visa.

 

He was later handed over to the Controller of Immigration and Emigration to seek a court order for his deportation. A Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) member Kumar Gunaratnam alias Kumara Mahaththaya, also known as Noel Mudalige was arrested in the Anguruwawila area in Kegalle by the Kegalle Police.

 

Gunaratnam was arrested by the police when he was at his mother's home. Sources said that Gunaratnam arrived in Sri Lanka on January 1 on a 30-day tourist visa which expired on January 31 and since then he was said to be in hiding.