Date: [Current Date]

[City], [Country] - The Kurunduwatta police have confirmed the arrest of 26 individuals involved in two separate groups that instigated riots in an attempt to forcefully acquire a valuable land plot with a two-story house worth millions of rupees in Barnes Place, Colombo 07.

According to authorities, those arrested include residents from Dematagoda, Kirulapona, Sevanagala, and other areas, ranging in age from 28 to 56 years.

The incident came to the attention of the police when the Cinnamon Garden Police received information about a shooting at Barnes Place. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a clash between two groups and immediately took necessary measures to bring the situation under control.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the root cause of the conflict stems from a half-acre land plot with a two-story house. Both groups involved in the dispute do not possess legal ownership of the property, yet they sought to unlawfully seize it by force.

In response to the situation, the police have instructed both parties to provide proper documentation proving their ownership claims. Only upon establishing valid ownership will the rightful possessors be granted possession of the disputed land.