An armed motorcycle gang known as AAVA has been terrorising the North. And once again, it has caught the attention of the legislature.
Accusations of a military connection?
MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake questioned the facts behind the cabinet spokesperson’s statement that military personnel are connected to the group. “Is this the stance of the government ?” he questioned.
MP Anura Kumara also questioned the Minister of Regional Development’s statement that, if there is a link between AAVA and SL Military, then it was created by Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
In reply, State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene stated that the group is not controlled by the military as it is a “motorcycle gang” which is harassing and extorting the people in the North.
The minister however stated that Minister Rajitha Senaratne’s statement is not entirely wrong. Explaining the statement, he said that of the three persons arrested from the AAVA Group, one had served in the military.
The State Minister of Defence added that the situation is being investigated.
AAVA – Sagala Ratnayaka explains…
Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development said: “… Back in 2011 an altercation had taken place between two factions at an event at the Amman Kovil in Inuwel, Jaffna. One faction had banded together to attack their opponents. Later, the group had come together to commit violent acts in Jaffna. That is when they have taken the name AAVA.”
Min. Ratnayaka also said that the person behind AAVA is Kumaresh Ratnam Vinodhan from West Inuwel, located near the Amman Kovil.
According to the Minister, K. R. Vinodhan is currently in remand custody and a majority of the membership are between the ages of 18 and 25.
He also revealed that 65 members of AAVA has been identified, while 38 have been arrested and six are being investigated.
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