MP kills protester, self in stand-off

Colombo – A legislator from Sri Lanka’s ruling party shot dead an antigovernment protester and then took his own life during a confrontation outside the capital, police said yesterday.

Amarakeerthi Athukorala opened fire and critically wounded two people blocking his car in the town of Nittambuwa, police said, adding that one of the victims died of his injuries.

“The MP fled the scene and took refuge at a nearby building,” a police official said. “Thousands surrounded the building and he then took his own life with his revolver.”

The incident came as thousands took to the streets and targeted supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has subsequently tendered his resignation. –