From K. A. Perera - Kalutara Corr.

The statue of a former Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike which was erected in Beruwala town was dismantled by an unidentified gang yesterday.

The former Defence Minister Anuruddha Ratwatta laid the foundation stone and a former minister and the present leader of the opposition Mahinda Rajapakse declared open the statue in 1999.

The statue was erected under the guidance of Rohita Abeygunawardhana - the district member of parliament.

OIC Beruwala police Abeyratna Dissanayake said that two persons who had come on a vehicle had demolished the statue.

It was also revealed that Rohita Abeygunawardhana has made elaborate arrangements to commemorate the 44th death anniversary in Beruwala on September 26.

Beruwala police is conducting investigations to arrest the suspect.