President’s brother hospitalised following attack

UPDATE: Priyantha Sirisena, a brother of President Maithripala Sirisena, who was admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital following an alleged attack has been airlifted to a private hospital in Colombo.

He is currently receiving treatment for critical injuries in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. 

Priyantha, who is also known as “Weli Raju,” was rushed to the Polonnaruwa Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after being seriously injured in the attack carried out using an axe. 

He was later airlifted to the private hospital in Colombo.

Meanwhile the suspect who was wanted in connection with the attack on Priyantha earlier today has been arrested.

Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that the suspect, Don Ishara Lakmal Saputhanthri, was taken into custody after he surrendered to Bakamuna Police.

The 34-year-old suspect is reportedly a close friend of the victim while the attack is suspected to have taken place at a garage belonging to Saputhanthri which is located in Hathare Ela, Bendiwewa.

Three special police teams have been deployed to the scene of the crime in order to carry out investigations. 

Priyantha is a businessman predominantly engaged in sand mining. 

He is a younger brother of President Sirisena, who is currently on a four-day state visit to China.