Police have arrested the mothers of ten school children enrolled forcibly to the Meegahatenna Primary School in Matugama by Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma.

Thewarapperuma had led a protest for a few days with the parents of the children, stating that the children were subjected to unfair treatment.

On June 30, the Deputy Minister entered the school and attempted to commit suicide, demanding an answer to the question. The principal ws later forced to admit the children to the school.

Thewarapperuma was later admitted to hospital after fainting outside the school and was reported to have suffered from a heart attack.

Teachers' unions and other parents opposed tThewarapperuma's action, alleging that he assaulted the principal.