Colombo: The Sri Lankan armed forces have been given the order to open fire at anyone looting public property or causing harm to others, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday evening, amid reports of continuing attacks on the properties of ruling party officials.
Local media showed footage of a house in Malwana in flames and residents said a group of persons had attacked the residence of a government minister.
Police said eight persons including a ruling party legislator, a mayor and two policemen had died in violence.
Mobs attacked the property of ruling party officials after a group of persons loyal to ex-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked a group of peaceful protestors in Colombo.
Meanwhile in Negombo at least six people were hospitalised after a clash between two groups. A few shops were also torched at the Deen Junction in Negombo.
Residents in the area said that communal tensions were being created by ‘certain individuals.’Â
