Weligama clashes damage mosque, shops

MATARA: A mosque, six shops and a petrol shed were damaged in a clash between two groups on Sunday night in Weligama town, Matara. A suspect was arrested in connection with the incident and police were deployed to control the tense situation in the area, Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said.

A clash erupted between two groups in Weligama town following a brawl at a restaurant.

“When man failed to pay the bill at a restaurant in the Weligama town. Following that a mosque, six shops belonging to Muslims and a petrol shed were damaged by mobs”, SSP Gunasekera said.

Tear gas and gun shots were used to disperse the mob from the scene. He said a suspect was arrested in connection with the incident and substantial security was provided to the Weligama area. Three police teams from the Weligama were deployed to launch a comprehensive investigation.