Tense situation outside Sirikotha ( Video and photos )

A tense situation has been reported in front of Sirikotha, the UNP headquarters at Pitakotte following the announcement of results of the vote to elect key positions in the party.

Persons claiming to be UNP supporters have thrown stones and broken doors and windows of the headquarters building.

Fifteen persons including UNP Western Provincial Councilor Shiral Lakthilaka have been taken into custody so far in connection to the attack on Sirikotha yesterday (Dec. 19), SP Deshabandu Tennakoon said.

Several vehicles and property of UNP headquarters were damaged yesterday after party supporters pelted stones at the Sirikotha building and at police personnel following the UNP election to decided the party leader.

Loyalists of the party reacted after hearing that Ranil Wickramasinghe was reelected as UNP leader by beating Karu Jayasuriya in the election.

It was reported earlier today that UNP Southern Provincial Councilor Maithri Gunarathne and three Local Government members were also arrested by police for allegedly damaging the property of Sirkotha.

Shiral Lakthilaka along with MP Buddhika Pathirana in October were suspended from party membership impending investigation.