The Mirihana Police yesterday morning arrested a suspect who was involved in the arson attack on a shop near Wijerama junction, owned by a leading Muslim businessman in Akurana.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a member of an extremist organisation attempting create disharmony in the country by fanning racism.
Police sources added that the suspect who had worked in a number of leading hotels in Colombo as a steward is a resident of Nawinna, Maharagama.
The fire caused extensive damage to cushions and carpets of vehicles running into millions of rupees, which were stored at the shop. The shop had been set on fire at around 3 a.m. on June 6.
Mirihana Police officials investigating into this incident identified the suspect after scrutinising CCTV Camera footage installed in the adjoining shop.
However, the Mirihana Police Crimes Branch OIC said Police would seek the advice from the Attorney General to institute legal proceedings in this regard.
Police on the instructions of the Deputy Western South Inspector General of Police are on the hunt for more suspects involved in this crime.