Kandy MP hospitalized after altercation with Aluthgamage

• The altercation reportedly occurred during a discussion about a problem in the Kandy area at the ruling party MPs meeting

By Sujith Hewajulige and Anjula Mahika Weeraratne  

Kandy district MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksa was hospitalized with leg injuries following a brawl with MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage at the end of the ruling party’s group meeting yesterday.  

Sources indicate that MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksa will undergo leg surgery as a result of the altercation.  

The altercation reportedly occurred during a discussion about a problem in the Kandy area at the ruling party MPs meeting. When inquired MP Aluthgamage stated that Rajapaksa spoke impulsively to him during the meeting, prompting Aluthgamage to suggest they continue the conversation outside. MP Aluthgamage claimed that he only grabbed Rajapaksa by the collar outside the meeting and asked him about his previous remarks. He stated that MP Jagath Samarawickrama intervened to prevent any physical altercations.  

“MP Samarawickrama, who was present, intervened and pulled MP Rajapaksa back, cautioning him not to hit the individuals. In the midst of the commotion, both MPs tumbled down together,” MP Aluthgamage said.  

MP Aluthgamage asserted that CCTV footage would support his account of the incident, claiming he did not physically harm Rajapaksa and only grabbed him by the collar.  
MP Rajapaksa was unavailable for comment following the incident.  

The ruling party MPs group meeting was held yesterday in Colombo under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.