Former mayor Eraj to jail ... for toy pistol incident!

Former mayor Eraj to jail ...

for toy pistol incident!

Two persons including Hambanthota Mayor Eraj Fernando were found guilty under 27 indictments for having attacked and threatened five MPs of  the United National Party and others during last Mahinda Rajapaksa regime when they were on a fact-finding mission of Mattala and Hambanthota and high court judge Mr. Thamara Tennakoon delivered a verdict of 6 year' rigorous imprisonment yesterday (2). 

During the period when the above case was being heard at that time, the former Mayor has claimed
that it was a toy pistol that he carried with him. When a team of MPs including Mr. Ajith Mannapperuma had arrived at Hambanthota from Colombo were on an inspection tour of Hambanthota port and were leaving port premises a large crowd had barged in there with accused Hambanthota Mayor brandishing a firearm. On that occasion stones and eggs were pelted at the MPs and their supporters. 

Delivering the verdict yesterday (2), the judge announced in open court that two accused were guilty of 27 indictments. Deputy solicitor general on that occasion pleaded in court stating that though the post of mayor is a temporary position as guardian, people such as accused mayor has thought that the position is an eternal heritage and had behaved in that manner and to impose severe punishment to protect supremacy of the law so that it would be a lesson for others who would be motivated for similar action in future. 

The above court case where 5 members of parliament in unison have become petitioners in court at one and the same time and gave evidence has turned out to be a extraordinary case in the history of Sri Lankan courts, deputy solicitor general, Mr. Dilip Peiris who directed proceedings on behalf of petitioners said. 

Apart from the 6 year jail sentence a fine of Rs. 5000 (Rs. one lakh thirty five thousand) for each indictment was imposed on both accused.