New twist to JVP-Handunhetti fiasco

By Kushali Atukorale
In a new twist to the JVP controversy surrounding Sunil Handunetti, Colombo Aluthkade Magistrate Court yesterday ordered police to conduct further investigations into a complaint lodged by JVP activist Sampath Dimuth Ketabeyarchchi, who claimed that his life was in danger after he revealed the crisis within the JVP.

Ketabeyarchchi told The Bottom Line that he wanted to help JVP parliamentarian Sunil Handunetti, now under house arrest, due to friendship with the latter.

“Handunetti was unhappy with the JVP with regards to certain policies and other monetary matters carried out by a group of JVP Parliamentarians,” Ketabeyarchchi said. He added the disclosures made by him have now even put his life in danger.

He claimed that at present Handunnetti was being controlled by certain members of the JVP.

“Handunnetti and I were to go abroad together but today he is denying this fact,” Ketabeyarachchi said adding that he is in possession of all documents relating to Handunnetti.

Meanwhile Katabeyarachchi said that he received several death threats through telephone calls where the caller identification was displayed as “withheld”, “which gives an indication that certain Senior JVP parliamentarians could be involved in the issue, as only VIPs are allowed to enjoy the facility where one can withhold one’s number when taking a call to another number” he said.

“Several supporters of the JVP threatened me saying, they will kill my wife and my kid if I revealed the truth to the police as well as to the courts,” Ketabeyarachchi said while adding that his only intention was to help his long time friend Handunnetti. He said he was not expecting any favour in return.