2 MPs held in Sri Lankan over recent violence

Two Sri Lankan parliamentarians, Sanath Nishanatha and Milan Jayathilake, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) on Tuesday over attacks on protesters in Colombo on May 9, reported Xinhua.

The CID also arrested former provincial council member Amal Silva and an employee of the Moratuwa Urban Council over the same charge.

The Attorney General on Monday instructed the police to arrest and produce the 22 suspects including several parliamentarians in connection with the violence.

Violent incidents were reported on May 9 after pro-government groups clashed with anti-government protesters, which left nine people dead and about 300 others injured.