Minister’s supporters shot

23 March 2010 03:39 am

By S Madawala and Supun Dias


A group of supporters of Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene who were resting under a tree at the Matugama playground after pasting propaganda posters at the Matugama town last night were shot by two unidentified gunmen who came on a motorcycle.

One person died at the scene while the others fled. The deceased was identified as Laurence Bastian (29) of Peellahena Road, Matugama. Police recovered the van used by the supporters of Minister Abeygunawardene and ten spent cartridges from the scene. 

Meanwhile police media spokesman SP Preshantha Jayakody said that the victim was consuming liquor with two of hi associates under a tree.
“The incident is based upon a long standing dispute as the victim is also engaged in lending money and involved in illegal gambling activities”, he said. (Daily Mirror online)