Five farmers shot dead

Rafik Jalaldeen

Five farmers were shot dead and two others severely injured by unknown gunmen on Tuesday night in Bamunuvila, Kantale.

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said the farmers who had gone to chase wild elephants from their paddy fields between 9.00 pm and 11.00 pm had come under gunfire.

The incident had occurred in Dehiwatta, 12 km away from Serunuwara.

"The unidentified gunmen indiscriminately shot at the farmers using T56 guns at pointblank range after forcing them to kneel.

"Five died on the spot and two others who were critically wounded were admitted to the Trincomalee hospital," SSP Gunasekera told the Daily News.

The victims are M.G. Nihal Sarath, W. Weeradasa, W.H. Sunil, W.H. Sugathapala and Karunadasa.

Armed Forces and police have cordoned the area and security was strengthened.