The Nuwara Eliya Acting Magistrate, Jayamini Ambagahawatta, has ordered the arrest of several suspects, including Jeewan Thondaman, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Labor Congress and the Minister of Estate Infrastructure and Water Transport. This directive was issued to the Nuwara Eliya Police, who are now tasked with apprehending and presenting the suspects to court.
The court order follows an incident that took place on May 30, when Minister Thondaman and a group of his supporters allegedly forced their way into a Nuwara Eliya tea factory managed by the Kelani Valley Company. The Nuwara Eliya Police reported details of the incident to the court today (22), highlighting actions by the group that violated the Penal Code.
Despite receiving written notices to appear in court, Minister Thondaman and the other suspects failed to attend the hearing. Consequently, the estate company’s lawyers presented their case before the court, prompting the Magistrate to issue the arrest order.
The Nuwara Eliya Police had initially informed the court about the forced entry and the actions of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress supporters. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of public officials and their adherence to legal protocols.
The arrest of a sitting minister and high-profile political figure like Jeewan Thondaman is likely to have significant political ramifications. The case will be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system, with many anticipating further developments in the coming days.
