Sri Lanka; 9 dead, 41 vehicles torched in Monday's (9) violence - Defence Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nine people have died following Monday's (9) violence, revealed Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne on Wednesday (11).

The deceased included 2 police officers, and the others are civilians. Moreover, 219 people were injured in the violence.

Speaking to reporters at the Defence Secretary said after the curfew was imposed, a total of 136 property were torched and completely destroyed.

41 vehicles, including state and police, were torched and destroyed, said the Defence Secretary, and another 61 vehicles were damaged.

The Defence Secretary said that two police jeeps and a police motorcycle were set on fire on Sangaraja Mawatha, Colombo.

"One vehicle only had a driver and ASP. They were forced out and the ASP was beaten before the vehicle was torched," he said.

The Defence Secretary also said that the vehicles that were pushed into the Beira Lake will be removed soon.

"There will never be a military rule in Sri Lanka, I say this with responsibility," said Defence Secretary Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne.