STF deployed in Polonnaruwa after shots fired at rally

Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed in the Aralaganwila area in Polonnaruwa in an attempt to beef up security after clashes erupted between the supporters of the two main Presidential Candidates last night.

Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana stated that 5 persons have been injured in the clash and that a shooting incident had also occurred. He stated that several suspects have been identified in connection with the incidents and that investigations have been launched to apprehend them. An unidentified person reportedly opened fire just as common candidate Maithripala Sirisena left the election rally late evening on Saturday. Mr. Sirisena escaped without injuries, but one man in the vicinity was injured in the gunshots, according to his media unit. The meeting was organised in Aralaganwila, in the ancient town of Polonnaruwa, the hometown of Mr. Sirisena. According to sources in the United National Party (UNP), supporters reportedly heard gunshots at the meeting venue after the candidate and supporting politicians left the venue. UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake, who was present on stage at the meeting, said: “Some people pelted our vehicles with stones as we were leaving the rally.” On Friday, Mr. Sirisena narrowly escaped stoning by suspected pro-government activists at a campaign rally, where at least 20 of his supporters were injured in the attack, according to media reports.