Five arrested for the killing of Lankan President’s aide

Oct 11, 2011 |

Colombo

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At least five noted underworld criminals have been arrested in connection with the killing of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's advisor on trade union affairs, police spokesman Maxi Procter said on Tuesday .

The police had on Monday announced the arrest of one suspect and had receovered 12 pistols, two revolvers and two T56 rifles.

Premachandra, a senior member of the ruling coalition's dominant party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was killed during a confrontation with a ruling party parliamentarian Duminda Silva over a long standing intra-party feud.

The two exchanged blows before Premachandra was sprayed with bullets allegedly by Silva's gang just prior to the closure of the Saturday’s local council election.

Silva himself was critically injured from the shoot out and is currently in an intensive care of a hospital.

Police chief N.K. Ilangakoon announced that all security personnel accompanying politicians must wear their uniforms in future following criticism that both Premachandra and Silva had unauthorised security personnel carrying illegal weapons at the time of confrontation.

The murder of Premachandra, a former member of parliament and a close aide of Rajapaksa and the serious injury to Silva, marred the local poll victory of the ruling alliance.

They won 22 of the 23 councils which went to polls in the final stage of the staggered local elections.

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