Tangalle prison riot case: Arrest warrant on suspect

 Tangalle High Court Judge Sujatha Alahapperuma issued an arrest warrant on a suspect who was not present in courts in the Tangalle prison riot case and postponed the case until February 9.

The case is being heard against 23 suspects. The arrest warrant was issued on the fifth suspect, Chaminda Pushpakumara. Two suspects in this case have died. The third suspect, Geeganage Amarasiri alias Julampitiye Amare and another three suspects are in remand prison.

The suspects are convicted of launching a riot in the Tangalle prison, holding 10 prison officials hostage, braking open the armoury and taking fire arms into their custody on June 30, 2002. State Counsel Shakthi Jagodarachchi appeared for the suspects.