Four persons arrested in connection to rioting at Premadasa

Fighting broke out in the stands during the third one-day international between Pakistan and hosts Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium interrupting the game for about half an hour, following which four persons involved in the rioting were arrested, the police said today.

Police spokesman Assistant Superintendent Ruwan Gunasekera said that they are looking for more persons involved in the fighting, that also led to objects thrown onto the field. 

“We are on the look out for more trouble-makers through video footage,” he said. The disruption last night forced match referee Javagal Srinath to suspend the play for about half an hour, fearing the safety of the players on the ground. Anti-riot squads were deployed to clear two blocks of stands as rival groups of spectators clashed during the day-and-night match, throwing projectiles onto the grounds.

The hosts, chasing Pakistan’s 316-4, were struggling at 158 for 7 when rioting began in the 35,000-capacity stadium. The clashes soon spread out of the stadium; at least four persons, including two policemen, were injured. Three vehicles were damaged. No players were injured, and the match resumed after about half-an-hour delay. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 135 runs in the 3rd match. The fourth one-dayer is to be played at the same venue, as the two T20 internationals.