The incident took place when the cricketer-turned-politician visited the CPC office, with several workers objecting to his presence at the office
Colombo: The political crises in Sri Lanka took an ugly turn on Sunday when bodyguards of Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a loyalist of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, fired live rounds at the supporters of the new premier Mahinda Rajapaksa, leaving one person dead.
A 34-year-old man, who was shot, succumbed to his injuries when he was rushed to the hospital.
Two others were hospitalised in the shooting incident and one security personnel was arrested at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) premises in Dematagoda.
The incident took place when the cricketer-turned-politician visited the CPC office, with several workers objecting to his presence at the office.
When Ranatunga entered the building, the supporters of the new prime minister objected to him visiting the office and shouted slogans. When they were not allowed to move out, shots were fired which injured three people.
Also read: Sri Lanka's political crisis: Parliament suspended, PM resists sacking; India keeps silent
Ranatunga is a supporter of Wickremesinghe who was sacked by President Sirisena. Wickremesinghe has said that his sacking was illegal and unconstitutional. Earlier in the day, Parliament’s Speaker Karu Jayasuriya recognised Wickremesinghe as the country’s prime minister.
Sri Lanka is facing a political crisis after President Sirisena sacked prime minister Wickremesinghe on Friday, and appointed former strongman Rajapaksa as the new prime minister.
A new caretaker government is expected to be sworn in on Monday.
In his first address to the nation after the dramatic events of Friday night, Sirisena said Wickremesinghe was sacked due to his “arrogant” behaviour, and asserted that Rajapaksa has been made the new premier in strict accordance with the Constitution.
With agency inputs
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