The Matara Magistrate’s Court has issued an order to stop the ongoing protest march by a group of UNP supporters, demanding the removal of Ranil Wickramasinghe as the UNP leader.
The protest against Wickramasinghe, led by Provincial Councilors Maithri Gunaratne and Shiral Lakthilaka - who were both sacked from the party, commenced from Devinuwara in Matara this morning and is heading towards Colombo.
Meanwhile a demonstration led by MP Mangala Samaraweera in support of the UNP leader began from Wellamadama today.
A clash occurred between the two groups earlier today as both demonstrations neared the Matara Town. Shots were fired during the clash resulting in a tense situation in the area.
At least seven persons including UNP Southern Provincial Council member Krishantha Pushpakumara have been admitted to the hospital with injuries following the clash.
The Provincial Councilor has been shot in the leg and has been admitted to the ICU of the Karapitiya Hospital.
Herman Gunaratne, the father of Southern Provincial Council member Maithri Gunaratne, has been arrested over the alleged shooting incident.
