Mystery surrounds the abduction of CEO

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 31 March 1999, 22:26 GMT]
Investigators in Colombo are still trying to ascertain the identity of the persons who abducted the former Chairman of Aitken Spence, one of the largest business houses of Sri Lanka.

The ex.CEO who continues to be a director of the company was abducted by unidentified persons yesterday who demanded the prompt payment of 20 million rupees for his release.

He was freed by his captors when they were paid up as demanded last night.His family refused to speak to the press today.

The incident gave rise to speculation in business circles in the island's capital that a radical group might have been involved in the abduction for raising funds for its political activities.

The Police said they did not rule out the possibility but that they are inquiring to see whether any local criminal ring was involved in the abduction.

A Police investigator said that they are also looking into the hijacking of a food supply lorry at Maradankadawala, about 160 kilometres north east of Colombo, yesterday in this connection. The lorry was carrying supplies to the SLA in the Vanni.