First election-related killing in Sri Lanka's south

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 December 2009, 04:07 GMT]
First killing in the Sri Lanka's presidential poll related violence has been reported from Beliatta in the southern province Sunday night. A youth was shot dead by unidentified persons close to the rural bank of the town. Police are investigating to confirm whether it was an election related violence.

Meanwhile, about sixty incidents of poll related violence have been reported since the closure of nominations for presidential poll, Gamini Navaratne, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge election activities told media.

In Attanagalla area three offices of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) were burnt down by ruling party supporters on Sunday.

Most of the incidents reported were removal of banners and cut-outs of rival parties, and stoning of some election offices.