The JVP on Tuesday said it would appeal to the Supreme Court against the police who failed to arrest those who attacked the participants of a protest they held at Arachchikattuwa on Monday.

The Party’s Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath said that there had been over 100 policemen deployed to provide security to JVP protestors led by two MPs, local government agents and provincial councillors at Arachchikattuwa on Monday. "But they did not take any action to arrest the thugs who arrived in a white tipper and sprayed burnt engine oil on the protestors. They could have chased and arrested them but police remained calm and undisturbed. This is sheer dereliction of their duties," he said.

The police had failed to arrest the thugs who had attacked JVP supporters protesting against the cost of living on Sunday at the same venue. Eleven JVPers had been hospitalized including Wayamba Provincial Council Member Sithara Nonis. "We have complained on the same day and gave all the details but so far only one person has been arrested. Instead four of our members had been taken into custody."

MP Herath said that in 1998 a similar incident took place, where the police kept silent when a group of PA supporters had attacked a group of JVPers who were setting up a stage. "Police neglected their duty and waited while the thugs had demolished the stage and attacked our members. We had gone to the Supreme Court and finally the Court ordered the police to pay compensation to the Party. The police had duly complied. This time too we think the police will have to do the same," he said.