UNP groups clash in Agalawatta

Shots were fired following a clash between two factions of the United National Party (UNP) at Agalawatta, Matugama today. 

UNP Western Province Councilor Shiral lakthilake, Southern Province Councilor Maithri Gunaratne and Ravi Jayawardena along with several supporters of the Sajith Premadasa group had travelled to Agalawatta today to inform the public of the commemoration of late President R. Premadasa to be held in Colombo on may 01.

In Agalawatta they had come face-to-face with UNP Kalutara District MP, Palitha Thewarapperuma and several of his supporters and a heated argument between the two groups had followed, political sources said.

It is said that the supporters of MP Thewarapperuma had then proceeded to fire shots into the air. Exactly four shots were fired into the air, a UNP part man who was at the location during the incident told Ada Derana.

However, it has been reported that no individual was injured from the confrontation. 

UNP Southern Provincial Council member Maithri Gunaratne speaking to Ada Derana regarding the incident said that Palitha Thewarapperuma had strongly criticized them for conducting a meeting without informing the relevant electoral organizer. 

A tense situation had erupted there, however it has been resolved now, he added. (AdaDerana)