Major clash breaks out between opposing UNP factions
by Dhaneshi Yatawara and Justin Kodikara, Matara Sp.
Cor.
Clashes broke out yesterday between UNP supporters opposing and
supporting the leadership of the party in Matara and Devundara, injuring
at least seven people. According to Police, the father of UNP Provincial
Councillor, Maithree Gunaratne was arrested over a shooting incident
during the clash.
A tense situation was reported near the Matara Town Hall around 11.30
am yesterday, Police Spokesman, SSP Buddika Siriwardena said.
The clash broke out between the two groups of UNP supporters - one
party marching from Devundara who were protesting against Opposition
Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe and the other were those supporting him.
The opposing rally led by UNP Provincial Councillors Maithree
Gunaratne and Shiral Lakthilaka, was demanding Opposition Leader Ranil
Wickremesinghe to step down from party leadership. The rally supporting
Wickremesinghe was led by parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera.
UNP Southern Provincial Council member, Krishantha Pushpakumara
sustained gunshot injuries in the clash. The Councillor was shot in the
leg and was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Karapitiya
Hospital. UNP Provincial Councillor, Maithree Gunaratne's son and driver
sustained injuries when the rally was attacked by the opposing party at
a point close to the Devinuvara Devale, soon after the rally started.
In the second clash in Matara town, an employee of the Matara
Municipal Council, who was returning to office after having tea at a
nearby boutique, sustained gunshot injuries. Municipal workers who were
nearby rushed him to the Matara Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Matara Magistrate's Courts made an order last
afternoon that the protest march should be halted. |