Pro-Maithripala artists attacked in Kumbukgeta

A group of mostly young Sri Lankan artists, who support Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena, have been attacked by an angry mob allegedly led by a Provincial Councillor of the ruling party in Kumbukgeta, Kurunegala.

The “Aluth Parapura” (New Generation) organization, which was formed ahead of the presidential polls under the objective of defeating the “dictatorial madness” and raising a voice for the freedom of human society, consists of young artists such as Samanmali Fonseka, Kasun Kalhara, Indrachapa Liyanage, Jagath Manuwarna, Ama Wijesekara and Kaushalya Kumarasinghe.

The said group of artists was engaged in a campaign to educate the masses when they were subject to the attack earlier today. Popular actress Samanmali Fonseka, singer Indrachapa Liyanage, film director Udaya Dharmawardena and veteran singer Lakshaman Wijesekara are said to be among the injured.

Speaking to Ada Derana, actress Samanmali Fonseka said that the attack was carried out by a group of individuals including UPFA North Western Provincial Council member Don Kamal Indika while they had been singing and distributing leaflets.

She alleged that the politician in question arrived at the location and threatened them to immediately stop the campaign while the individuals who accompanied him proceeded to throw stones and other objects at them.  

Fonseka said that they will lodge a complaint with the Kurunegala Police regarding the incident.