Former MP Sampath Athukorala Attacked with Sharp Weapon in Pitigala, Suspect Arrested

Former Galle District Member of Parliament Sampath Athukorala, representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and former Galle District Coordinating Committee Chairman, was attacked with a sharp weapon in the Bambarawana area of Pitigala around midnight on April 17. Athukorala had reportedly visited the D.J. Watta area within the Bambarawana Usbim Colony to investigate reports of a group behaving in a disorderly manner, with some reports suggesting the attack stemmed from a private dispute. During the incident, he was assaulted by an individual. Athukorala sustained injuries and was admitted to the Galle Karapitiya National Hospital for treatment, from which he has since been discharged. Pitigala Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the attack, identified as a Tamil national, who is expected to be presented before the Elpitiya court this afternoon, April 18.