Two injured in clashes after SLFP defection

A former UNP Pradeshiya Sabha member has been wounded and hospitalised following a shooting incident in the Maggona area in Beruwala last night while a group of UNP supporters were celebrating the defection of several SLFP Parliamentarians and Ministers.

Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that the UNP supporter was shot in his head and that he has been admitted to the Nagoda Hospital.

Meanwhile in a separate incident one persons was injured in a clash between UNP and UPFA supporters which had taken place in Mawathagama, Kurunegala.

Several vehicles have also been damaged due to the incident, the police spokesman said.  

Former SLFP General Secretary and Health Minister Mathripala Sirisena yesterday quit the government along with Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Education Services Minister Duminda Dissanayake, Buddha Sasana & Religious Affairs Deputy Minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardana and MP Rajiva Wijesingha.  

Sirisena announced that he would contest the Presidential Election as the Common Candidate.