Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala has died during clashes with anti-government protesters, AFP news agency reported.
A vehicle allegedly belonging to MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala was involved in a shooting incident in the Nittambuwa area this evening.
According to reports, a group that had arrived in the MP’s vehicle has reportedly opened fire at anti-government protesters who were gathered in the area.
Close to three people were injured in the shooting and were hospitalized, while one person is reportedly in critical condition.
However, the Police said that following the incident MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala had died.
“The MP fled the scene and took refuge at a nearby building,” a police official told AFP by telephone. “Thousands surrounded the building and he then took his own life with his revolver.”
The incident came as thousands took to the streets across the curfew-bound island and targeted supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has subsequently tendered his resignation.
Supporters of the Prime Minister had attacked peaceful protesters near the Temple Trees and the Galle Face Green in Colombo today, resulting in islandwide unrest in the country. (NewsWire)
