Five injured in brawl in Hambantota

Five people were injured in a brawl involving villagers and Navy personnel at the end of a musical show held to coincide with the South Asian Beach Games now being held at the Hambantota beach, police said.

Due to security reasons the two naval ratings whom the police alleged had been injured in the scuffle, after being attacked with wooden clubs, were admitted to the Matara Hospital.

The clash had erupted following an argument between the navy deployed for special duties at the Hambantota Fisheries Harbour and the villagers.

Three injured residents were also admitted to the Hambantota Hospital

The Special Task Force (STF) and the police had brought the situation under control.

A medical report had revealed that the two naval ratings had been under the influence of liquor. The Hambantota police are conducting further investigations under the direction of the Senior DIG Lalith A. Jayasinghe. (Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)