UNP district Co-ordinators hosue set on fire in A'pura

(August 21, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Guardian) Pre-poll violence took a dangerous turn today in Anuradhapura as suspected pro-government mobs went on a rampage setting on fire a local doctor’s residence, an office belonging to an UNP candiate and two vehicles owned by opposition candidates, as the opposition planned to appeal for military intervention to bring the situation under control.

A spokesperson for the UNP campaign in Anuradhapura said the residence belonging to Dr. John Pulle had been surrounded by a mob that was smashing the building and setting it on fire while the police looked on.

He said the office belonging to UNP candidate Subashini Charles that is situated in the heart of the town was also smashed up by suspected state-sponsored mobs.

Earlier on in the day two vehicles belonging to UNP candidates contesting in the same district were torched by suspected pro-government goons, the party said.

Police could not be immediately reached for a comment.
- Sri Lanka Guardian