JVPer shot dead

Rafik Jalaldeen

A JVP supporter was shot dead and another injured by unknown gangsters early last morning in Halgampitiya junction, Veyangoda. The victim was identified as Nandana Baalage (50).

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunaskera said a group of JVP supporters had come under fire by unidentified gunmen around 2.30 am at Halampitiya junction.

“A JVP supporter was killed while another injured in the incident”, he added.

He said a cab was following JVP supporters while they were travelling in a van. The gunmen fired at the JVP van from the cab and fled the area.

SSP Gunasekera said police traced the cab used by the attackers.

“We have traced the cab parked at a politicians’ house. Police launched a full scale of investigation to net the culprit,” he added.

The JVP in a press release regarding the incident said a group of JVP supporters from Kandy district after participating in the April Heroes Commemoration at Viharamahadevi Park on Sunday had gone to spend the night at the JVP party office in Veyangoda.

The group was decorating the party office, and later accompanied a Atthanagalla JVP Pradeshya Sabha member home when a cab and two vans obstructed and threatened them.

On their return to the party office they came under fire by a cab and a van. Veyangoda police is investigating.