Sri Lanka anti-govt violence death toll rises to eight; 220 injured

ECONOMYNEXT – The death toll from the wave of seemingly spontaneous violence that shook Sri Lanka Monday (09) increased to eight by Tuesday (10) afternoon, with over 220 people admitted to hospital with injuries, police said.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa told EconomyNext that by Tuesday, two deaths in Weeraketiya, three deaths in Nittambuwa and one death each in Katana and Imaduwa areas had been reported.

“In Imaduwa, it is the Pradeshiya Sabha (local authority) chairman that has been killed,” said Thalduwa.

Meanwhile, a policeman who was on duty in Colombo has also died after being admitted to hospital after a tear gas gun exploded due to a malfunction.

Thalduwa said so far the number injured is not clear. However, media reports said more than 220 have been admitted to hospitals around the country.

Dozens of houses and political offices of ruling party legislators and local government officials were torched or stoned by mobs.

Temple Trees, the official residence of ex-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, was besieged by protestors, leading to security forces firing tear gas to keep them at bay. Protestors breached the gate and were held back at the next line of defence. (Colombo/May10/2022)