MP Ponnambalam released on bail

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, who was arrested yesterday morning for obstructing police duties  was released on bail by the Kilinochchi Magistrate last evening.  The Kilinochchi magistrate on Tuesday imposed an overseas travel ban on the MP and ordered him to issue a statement to the Maruthankerni Police.   

Accordingly, officers from the Kollupitiya Police served the order on the MP yesterday at his residence in Colombo.   

Police said the MP was arrested at his Colombo residence by officers from the Maruthenkerni and Jayapuram police stations.   

A heated argument had erupted between MP Ponnambalam and officers in civvies, including an intelligence officer, when the MP had arrived at a public meeting held at Vadamarachchi East recently. Police said the MP had gone to the meeting without police security and intelligence officers had been deployed for his protection.