May 10, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense has announced that the Armed Forces have been ordered to shoot at anyone who robs or damages public property or causing harm to others amid escalating clashes.

Meanwhile, according to Sri Lanka Police, eight people have died following Monday’s (9) attack on the peaceful protesters by the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s supporters and a number of properties belonging to political leaders and vehicles were damaged.

Sri Lanka Police on Tuesday (10) released the details of the number of people who died following Monday’s (9) clashes and also the number of property that was damaged.

According to a Police Media Division release 6 deaths were reported from the Western Province and two 2 deaths were reported from the Southern Province.

Among the dead were a Member of Parliament, a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, a Sub-Inspector of Police and a Police Sergeant.

A person who was injured in a clash in Colombo has died due to a heart attack after being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

A 28 year old Sub Inspector of Police had died on admission to the Colombo National Hospital due to a tear gas canister exploding, police sources said.

SLPP parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security guard committed suicide when his vehicle was surrounded by protesters in Nittambuwa while a youth was shot dead by the MP.

Meanwhile 08 persons were injured in a shooting at a protest held near the residence of the Chairman of the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha and two people died.

The chairman of Imaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha, A.V. Sarath Kumara has died of a heart attack after he was injured during an attack on his residence last night (May 09), according to the police.

Meanwhile, 216 persons injured in the clashes in Colombo have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. Hospital sources stated that 05 of them are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Among the injured is the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was hospitalized after being assaulted by a group at Perahera Mawatha, Colombo.

It is reported that MP Kumara Welgama has been hospitalized with minor injuries after being assaulted by a group near the Makumbura Expressway.

A total of 47 vehicles were set on fire, while 38 houses were also torched. In addition, 41 vehicles and 65 houses were also damaged.