Mob storms prayer hall

Rafik JALALDEEN

An angry mob numbering about 100 stormed a Christian prayer hall and damaged part of the premises in Koswatte, Thalangama yesterday morning over the death of two elderly women during a spiritual treatment at the Vihara Maha Devi open air theatre last weekend.

It was reported that the two victims' families had lodged a complaint at the Cinnamon Garden police over the mysterious death when they were undergoing a religious ritual treatment on Saturday, police spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said.

"Over 300 people staged a demonstration peacefully opposite Koswatte Jesus Abnohary's Gospel Centre over the mysterious death of two elderly women during a religious ritual treatment," he added.

He said later some of the angered mob stoned the Gospel Centre and some others stormed the prayer hall to disrupt the function.

"The angry mob damaged the gate, banners and window pane of the building," he added.

Thalangama police rushed to the scene and dispersed the mob. "The situation is under control. So far no arrests were made," SDIG Mediwake said.

A person from the Church Management lodged a complaint at the Thalangama police saying that over Rs. 34,000 damage has been caused to the premises by the mob.

Thalangama police is investigating.