Kidnapping of trader in Tissamaharama: Businessmen call on lawyers not to appear for suspects

By A.A.Premasiri and L.H.Kusum Priyantha Debarawewa and Weerawila Correspondents

 A protest was staged in the Tissamaharama town yesterday urging lawyers not appear for some suspects remanded in connection with the abduction of a leading businessman from Debarawewa to extract ransom of three million rupees.

The protest was oraganised by the Tissamaharama Rice Producers Association and Tissamaharama Business Association. They were shouting slogans and carrying placards that read "Lawyers should help punish criminals", "We value freedom to live" "Get rid of extortionists" etc.

Chief monks of the Buddhist temples in the area led the protest.

The suspects had telephoned and demanded the ransom from his relatives around 9.30 p.m. on March 11 after abducting the businessman.

Acting on a complaint by the family members, Tangalle Police Special Crime Division arrested five suspects and rescued the victim.

According to police, the abductors had held the businessman in a shrub jungle in an area close to the Bundala National Park. He had been severely beaten, the investigators said.

The victim received treatment at the Hambantota Hospital for several days.

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