Jan 07, Kelaniya: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa today paid last respects to the slain ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) member of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Hasitha Kelum Madawala at his residence in Waragoda, Kelaniya.

Chairman of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Prasanna Ranaweera said the President listened to the requests of hundreds of people rallied there to rid the brutal politics from Kelaniya and urged the authorities to intensify the investigations on the murder.

The 32-year-old Councilor was fatally shot in front of his residence in Waragoda, Kelaniya on Saturday evening by two assailants on a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, the Army has been summoned in addition to the police to provide security for the house of the late local councilor.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has started investigations on the shooting. No arrests have been made so far.

The persons loyal to the slain local councilor point finger at the Kelaniya organizer and Public Affairs and Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva for the murder.

Madawala was an activist of the team of local councilors of Kelaniya and Peliyagoda local councils that campaigned against the Minister. He had earlier lodged a complaint against threats to his life and also discussed the matter with the President Rajapaksa.

Members of the two local government bodies in January last year handed over 13 complaints to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Disciplinary Committee against Minister Mervyn Silva.

(Photo by Nalin Hewapathirana)