Police probe arson attack on PM’s private residence; three arrested within hours

• Unrest escalated after several journalists came under attack by the security forces
• PM had rare collection of books and precious memorabilia

Three men have been arrested by the Kollupitiya Police in connection with the arson attack on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo 7 on Saturday night, police said.

They said a 19-year-old youth from Mount Lavinia and two persons aged 24 and 28, from Kadawatha and Galle were among those arrested. The Kollupitiya police are conducting further investigations to arrest the other suspects, police said.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe’s private residence on 5th Lane in Colombo was set on fire by a group of arsonists on Saturday night during the unrest. 

It was reported that a group of arsonists entered his house and set it on fire after a tensions flared up between the protestors and security forces. The unrest escalated after several journalists came under attack by the security forces and subsequently several attackers gathered in the area.

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) fire brigade said they were alerted that the Prime Minister’s private residence in Colombo was set ablaze and its teams were unable to reach the location immediately due to the widespread unrest.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s nephew’s residence, which is located adjoining the former’s residence, was also damaged during the melee. It was reported that the PM’s residence had a rare collection of books and old Buddha statues, most of which Mr. Wickremesinghe had inherited.

The extent of the damage to the building is not yet assessed. A vehicle at the PM’s residence at the time of the incident was also damaged. The investigating officers including government analysts were examining the site to gather evidence.

Meanwhile, the PUCSL said yesterday an investigation will be launched for the power outage on Saturday night along the 5th Lane at the time it was attacked. PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayaka said there were no scheduled power cuts at that time and they will probe as to what was the cause of the power outage at that time.
Meanwhile, soon after the incident, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva urged all citizens to give their support to the armed forces and the police in order to maintain peace in the country, at a time when an opportunity has arisen to resolve the crisis in the country peacefully and constitutionally. 

• The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) fire brigade said they were alerted that the Prime Minister’s private residence in Colombo was set ablaze and its teams were unable to reach the location