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Sri Lanka's opposition seeks PM's explanation over rise in attacks

Xinhua, August 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

Sri Lanka's main opposition, the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) on Friday sought an explanation from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over a rise in attacks carried out by underworld groups in the island nation.

UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha told journalists in capital Colombo that as a result of the rise in murders and attacks in recent weeks, fear has spread amongst the people during the election period.

"The Prime Minister has to give an explanation over this fear psychosis which has spread in the country especially during the election period," Premajayantha said.

The UPFA also sought an explanation from Wickremesinghe over a shoot out in capital Colombo recently, which killed two and injured at least 13 people.

A statement made by the country's Deputy Justice Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe called for the resignation of the police chief.

According to reports, four men sprayed bullets from a car driving past an outdoor rally which was held in Colombo and attended by over 600 people.

Local election monitors said the shoot out was the worst incident of election related violence since 2011. Endi