Eight including politicians dead in Monday's clashes

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eight people died following clashes that broke out after pro-government supporters from Temple Trees attacked a group of peacefully protesting at MynaGoGama and GotaGoGama.

The deceased were identified as a Member of Parliament, a Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha, two police officers, and four civilians.

At a time when the whole country was in turmoil, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala found himself among the enraged people in Nittambuwa.

Witnesses say that a person who had come with the Member of Parliament had opened fire during the argument, which led to five people being injured in the shooting.

MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his bodyguard were killed during the subsequent clash.

The post-mortem conducted by the Wathupitiwala Judicial Medical Officer today (10) revealed that he had died due to injuries sustained during an assault.

The post-mortem also revealed that his security detail, a police sergeant died after he was beaten and shot.

Harsha Nadishan, a 27-year-old youth, identified as a resident of Kaleliya, Hapitigama, Mirigama was shot during the clash as well, and he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

Chairman of the Imaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha, A. V. Sarath Kumara also died upon admission to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital following an attack at his residence last night.

Sarath Kumara, a father of two, was 69 years old at the time of his death.

Meanwhile, two protesters were killed in a shooting at the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman's residence last night.

The last rites of Mohamed Aslan, a resident of Weeraketiya, Yakgasmulla were performed at the Yakgasmulla Cemetery this afternoon, while the other victim was identified as a resident of Heenara, Weeraketiya; 38-year-old Sugath Janaka.

Janaka, a teacher, is also the father of three children.

Meanwhile, a Police Sub-Inspector died when a tear gas launcher exploded during attempts to disperse crowds opposite Temple Trees.

A 21-year-old youth named Priyantha Kumara, a resident of Yatiyana, Minuwangoda was killed in an attack on a leading hotel in Negombo, while four others were injured.

MP Kumara Welgama was also caught by angry protestors in Homagama and was admitted to hospital due following an assault.

Moreover, 232 people were hospitalized due to the clashes that took place throughout the day, and 217 of them are currently being treated at the Colombo National Hospital.

05 persons are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.