[Several houses attacked]
JVP and UNP candidates assaulted – Several houses attacked
By CaFFE
Several United National Party (UNP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) members who contested for the Uva provincial council elections were assaulted yesterday (21) night and today morning by groups travelling in Defender Jeeps. Number of their offices has also been attacked.
UNP candidate Roy Kalinga, who obtained the 6th highest preferential votes in his party for Moneragala, was assaulted around 1 am today and was admitted to Moneragala hospital with serious injuries. Kalinga has left his house earlier after receiving information that he will be assaulted, however his assailants found him at Etiliyawewa and beat him down with a club. Kalinga, who carried a proactive election campaign, was assaulted by a group travelling in a white Defender Jeep.
Meanwhile the house of JVP candidate Anura Kumara Wickremesingha (Moneragala) was attacked today morning around 1 -1.30 am. JVP candidate Palliyaguruge Wijesisri’s house was also attacked around the same time. His house was targeted four times during the election period and both houses were attacked by those arriving in Defender Jeeps. Meanwhile JVP’s office in Dambagalle has also been attacked.
JVP polling agent Sunil Shantha was attacked in Haputale soon after the elections ended by supporters of UPFA MP Uditha Lokubandara.
UPFA Chairman of Haldummulla pradesheeya sabha, RM Danaratne, stabbed UNP local councilor Nimal Karunaratne yesterday and was admitted to Haldummulla hospital. Danaratne had engaged in several instances of election related violence on September 20 and is also accused of stoning a group of JVP supporters in Halatutenna last night.
Meanwhile JVP candidate for Badulla and former provincial councilor Sudath Balagalle and his family members have left their residence fearing attacks. Although the JVP has requested the police to provide security to Balagalle’s house, nothing has been done so far. Fire crackers were thrown into several houses of JVP supporters in Mahiyanganaya.
Media Unit – CaFFE