Man involved in acid attack on Lankan students in Australia charged

A MAN alleged by police to be one of the "principal offenders" in a violent attack that left two Sri Lankan students with severe acid burns has been charged with attempted murder, the Australian police reported today.

Sri Lankan students Jayasri Watawala, 22, and Chathuika Weerasinghe, 27, suffered severe burns when they were doused with acid during a home invasion at Westmead in Sydney's west on May 17.

The attack followed a series of violent outbreaks in the area sparked by tensions between a pro-Tamil Tiger group and supporters of the Sri Lankan government over the end to Sri Lanka's civil war.

Amalathepan Srikantharajah, 25, from the western suburb of Girraween, was yesterday charged with attempted murder, break and enter with intent to commit murder and maliciously casting corrosive fluid with intent to maim.

"Police will allege that this is one of the principal offenders in the home invasion," Detective Inspector Albert Joseph said.

One of the victims was stabbed in the stomach and broke his ankle, and both were admitted to hospital with serious injuries.

Police described the victims' recovery as difficult. "The rehabilitation has been a slow and lengthy process for them," Inspector Joseph said.

Mr Srikantharajah was refused bail and is expected to face Parramatta Local Court via video link on July 16. He has not yet entered a plea.