The Defense Ministry has allowed the police to detain and interrogate two people, including the convener of Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF), Wasantha Mudalige, who were arrested by the police following a protest held by a group of the IUSF members.
Detention orders have been issued in accordance with the powers assigned to the Minister of Defense under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
It is reported that the Ministry of Defense has authorized the police to detain and interrogate Hashan Gunathilake in addition to Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the IUSF.
The police arrested 16 people during a protest held by the Inter-University Student Federation against the government at Union Place in Colombo on Thursday (Aug 18).
They were arrested after police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesting university students who were marching through Town Hall and towards Union Place despite police blockades.
Earlier today, the 16 individuals were produced before the Colombo Additional Magistrate and the Police had sought detention orders on three of the arrested, namely the IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige, Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera and Hashantha Jawantha Gunathilake.
Police had stated that IUSF convener was arrested as there is a pending arrest warrant against him.
The Colombo Additional Magistrate granted bail to all the suspects except to Wasantha Mudalige and Hashan Gunathilake.
The Ministry of Defense has authorized the police to detain and interrogate Hashan Gunathilake of Wasantha Mudalige for 90 days.