Sirasa Chief And Presidential Advisor Herman Involved In Violence Against UNP Members In Matara – Mangala

October 6, 2013 

As the leadership crisis in the United National Party reached an extraordinary climax with the Sajith and Ranil factions clashing in the southern city of Matara yesterday the Party’s Communications Chief and Matara District strongman Mangala Samaraweera accused the owner of a leading private television station of backing the anti-Ranil groups on contract from the ruling Rajapaksa regime.

At least seven people were injured when clashes erupted between protesting pro and anti Ranil factions. UNP Provincial Councillor Pushpakumara was suffered a gunshot injury to his leg. The march from Dondra to Colombo was led by ousted UNP provincial councillors Maithree Guneratne and Shiral Lakthilake. Guneratne’s father Herman Guneratne a loyalist of the Rajapaksa regime was arrested in connection with Pushpakumara’s shooting. Herman Guneratne was found to have a holster on his person to hold a personal weapon.

Maithree Guneratne’s marchers were demanding the resignation of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.                  Read More

Court Cancels Maithree Guneratne’s Anti-Ranil March From Matara

October 6, 2013 

The Matara Additional Magistrate has ruled against the anti-Ranil protest march from Dondra to Colombo saying it was illegal based on a complaint made by the police.

Violence erupted on the streets in the southern city last afternoon when the Sajith and Ranil factions clashed as the Maithree Guneratne led march took off from Dondra. At least seven people including a UNP Provincial Councillor was injured in gunfire when the protests turned unruly. Guneratne’s father Herman Guneratne,a close associate of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was arrested in connection with the shooting by Matara police.

The Matara Magistrate ordered that the police use force if necessary to disband any attempt to restart the march.