UNP candidate killed in Batticaloa

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, NOV. 17. A candidate of the Opposition United National Party (UNP) in the coming parliamentary election in Sri Lanka was shot dead in the Tamil-dominated eastern district of Batticaloa today, prompting demands for enhancing the security of its leader, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Mr. Thambhirajah Jeyakumar, a former police officer, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen as he campaigned in a village 19 km south of Batticaloa town. Police suspect the involvement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) in the killing.

Large swathes of territory in Batticaloa and the neighbouring district of Ampara are controlled by the LTTE and its cadres enjoy considerable freedom of movement even in areas that are under the control of the security forces.

The UNP spokesman, Mr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, said he would have to ascertain facts before commenting on who might be responsible for the killing. The incident underlined the need to enhance the security of all Opposition candidates, including that of the UNP leader, he added.

``Intelligence officials have told Mr. Wickremesinghe his life is under threat. If the government knows this, they must take steps to provide him adequate security,'' he said.

Meanwhile, an independent candidate who was kidnapped earlier this week by the LTTE along with a member of his family and another candidate from Marathamunai in Ampara district, returned home today, while the other two remain in LTTE custody.

The candidate, Mr. Abu Bakr Rakeeb, told The Hindu over telephone that the LTTE had asked him to raise Rs. 20 lakhs for the release of his relative.

Family members of the other candidate still in LTTE custody have been asked to pay a ransom of Rs. 15 lakhs for his release.

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Section  : International
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