Five individuals, including an opposition municipal councillor, have been arrested for disorderly conduct, assaulting officials with water, and obstructing public duties during a special general meeting of the Galle Municipal Council.

Those arrested include two United National Party (UNP) municipal councillors, one Podujana United Front municipal councillor, and two Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) municipal councillors.

Police said the suspects are due to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court today (31) after recording their statements.

The incident occurred yesterday (30) shortly after the Mayor commenced the council session, when opposition members began protesting against the Municipal Secretary and other officials, leading to a tense and chaotic situation.

The unrest reportedly stemmed from a dispute during a recent budget vote, particularly over the manner in which the Secretary and other officials entered the council chamber and carried out their duties.

While the Mayor proceeded with council business in accordance with the agenda, the situation escalated when the committee stage of the meeting was announced. At that point, a group of opposition councillors allegedly threw water bottles at the area where the Secretary and officials were seated.

As the situation became increasingly difficult to control, the Mayor adjourned the meeting for 30 minutes. Despite the adjournment, opposition councillors continued to shout and behave in a disorderly manner, police said.