Two returning after gathering firewood shot dead

Rafik JALALDEEN

Two civilians were gunned down and three others were critically injured when they were shot by unidentified gunmen while returning from a jungle after collecting firewood in Periyakulam, Kuchchiweli on Wednesday evening.

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said 10 residents from Iqbal Nagar, Nilaveli had gone to collect firewood in four tractors to a jungle in Periyakulam on Wednesday morning.

“When they were returning after gathering firewood at around 5.30 p.m. they were stopped by a group of gunmen and shot,” SSP Gunasekera said.

“Two were killed and three others were injured severely,” he added. The injured have been admitted to the Trincomalee hospital.

The victims were residents of Jessica Housing Scheme.

Trincomalee police are investigating.