UNP chief candidate escapes assassination bid

(October 09, Galle, Sri Lanka Guardian) The UNP’s chief candidate for the Galle district Manusha Nanayakkara escaped unhurt after his convoy was ambushed and shot up at Galle this afternoon, police said. The incident occurred at Walauwatte when the candidate and his supporters were returning home after meeting party loyalists, they said.

Mr. Nanayakkara said the gunmen had arrived on a motor cycle and sprayed the convoy with automatic fire before speeding away. The lead vehicle was damaged in the attack.

Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi for the People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) said the incident was the worst ever in the pre-election violence witnessed so far.

The police were currently recording the statement of Mr. Nanayakkara at his residence in Akmeemana.