Amarakeerthi Athikorala, a member of the government-aligned Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), is reportedly dead amidst the carnage unfolding in Colombo as supporters of the Rajapaksa regime clash with anti-government demonstrators.
“The MP fled the scene and took refuge at a nearby building,” a police official told AFP by telephone. “Thousands surrounded the building and he then took his own life with his revolver.”
At least 100 people have been injured as police move to crack down on demonstrators through the use of tear gas and water cannons.
Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapksa, has resigned from his post in response to the demonstrations.
Read more here: LEAD - Violence across Sri Lanka as armed troops deployed and PM resigns
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