22 election related violence reported before nomination day

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 16 December 2009, 13:34 GMT]
About twenty two cases of poll-related incidents of violence and intimidation have been reported to independent election observers. Majority of complaints have been made by the main opposition United National Party (UNP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), according to Mr.Keerthi Tennakoon, co-coordinator of the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFe).

He added more election violence could be expected if the authorities fail to implement required legislation in fair manner.

Meanwhile a supporter of General (retd) Sarath Fonseka was abducted and assaulted and later dumped on the road side in Matara, south of the country, according to police reports.

The victim S.Sarath, 32, had been taken away in a vehicle by a group of persons to the office of a provincial council member and badly assaulted. He has been admitted to the Matara government hospital.

In another incident a large cut-out of General Fonseka was set on fire by ruling party supporters in Nupe in Matara. According to a complaint with the police by the person who had put up the cut-out, he had claimed that it had cost Rs: 50,000/=.