Sri Lanka: Election violence peaks

By Rathindra Kuruwita | Lakbima News
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The last three days have seen the most intense election law violations and election related violence since nominations were handed in for the Local Government polls on March 17, claimed Campaign for Free and fair Elections (CaFFE.)

Two murders, 44 cases of assault and 18 cases of damage to property have been reported in the last 72 hours from around the country.

Gampaha, Nawalapitiya, Puttalam, Galle and Hambantota are the districts in which violence has peaked, reason being the strong rivalry among the candidates, both inter-party and intra-party.

“The highest incidence of election law violations and election related violence has been reported from Gampaha and Hambantota. Two United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) supporters died in a shooting incident in Peraliya, Galle, figuring supporters of one party,” he said.

There were also several incidents reported in the last 24 hours in Walasmulla in Hambantota, and in Matara and Dambulla, said CaFFE Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon.

One of UNP MP Sajith Premadasa’s election meetings was attacked. About 20 vehicles were damaged and 15 persons injured in the incident including LAKBIMAnEWS correspondent H.G.A.H. Amarasekara.

Tennakoon said that election propaganda deemed to be illegal took place on Saturday (March 5) in most parts of the country. He added that members of the National Congress assaulted and harassed members of the opposition parties at Akkaraipattu yesterday.

© Lakbima News