In a statement, CaFFE says that United National Party (UNP) supporters Chamila Ranasinghe, a resident of Maggona, was shot at Maggona Junction around 6.30 pm yesterday (21). Ranasinghe who was shot in the head twice is in a serious condition and has been transferred to Colombo National Hospital, CaFFE adds.

CaFFE believes that this is linked to Ranasinghe lighting fire crackers at Beruwala after former Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena declared that he is the common candidate

'CaFFE has also received information that the group that shot Ranasinghe had earlier destroyed cutouts of  former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne. These men are known associates of 'Raththaran' alias Rohitha Abeygunawardena and were actively involved in the election campaign of Abeygunawardena's brother recently. CaFFE is also dismayed by the lack of action taken by the Beruwala Police about these incidents. Residents of the area claim that OIC of Beruwala Police is also a loyal supporter of Abeygunawardena.'

'If lighting crackers to express a person's joy is a reason to shoot him, CaFFE fears of freedom of expression of the common citizens. CaFFE urges the law enforcement authorities to take action to prevent election related violence,' the statement further adds.
Alawathuwala attacked in Mawathagama
Meanwhile, opposition leader of the North Western Provincial council - J.C. Alawathuwala and a group of UNP supporters have come under attack during a vehicular procession in Mawathagama.
It is said that that two persons have been injured with four vehicles damaged.
A provincial politician of the area as well as a group led by a representative of a local government institution who was responsible for a large number of violent incidents at the last North Western Provincial council, is said to be behind the attack.