Namal summoned for questioning over Hambantota protests

MP Namal Rajapaksa, DV Chanaka and Prasanna Ranaweera were have been summoned by the Hambantota Police tomorrow (10), for questioning over the Hambantota protests that occurred on October 6. 

Twenty-eight persons were arrested and remanded following the tense situation during the Joint Opposition-organised protest
opposite the Indian Consulate in Hambantota.

Police said that suspects were arrested for unruly behavior and damaging public property.

Police had used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the individuals engaged in the protest, against the agreement to handover operations of the Hambantota port and Mattala airport to two foreign companies. 

The protest was organized by the Joint Opposition with the participation of several of its MPs including Namal Rajapaksa, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Sanath Nishantha.

The protest was scheduled to be held near the Mattala Airport, however the venue was changed to Indian consulate in Hambanota after police had obtained a court order preventing any protests being held near the airport.