DEFENCE MINISTRY GIVES SHOOTING ORDERS TO TRI-FORCES

● EIGHT KILLED, 88 VEHICLES, OVER 100 HOUSES DESTROYED DUE TO VIOLENCE

● MOST OF THE VEHICLES AND HOUSES DESTROYED BELONGED TO FORMER MINISTERS OR MPS OF THE RULING PARTY ● TRI-FORCES GIVEN ORDERS TO SHOOT ALL THOSE WHO PLUNDER PUBLIC PROPERTY OR CAUSE PERSONAL HARM

The Ministry of Defence said yesterday that the tri-forces have been ordered to shoot all those who plunder public property or cause personal harm. Meanwhile, Police said violence throughout the island on Monday have resulted in a number of deaths, attack on houses and properties and arson.

They said that eight persons including a parliamentarian, Pradeshiya Sabha chairman, Sub Inspector of Police and a police sergeant were killed during the riotous and violent activities that took place islandwide on Monday.

Police said 47 vehicles and 38 houses were destroyed due to arson while 41 vehicles and 65 houses were destroyed due to the attacks. Most of the vehicles and houses destroyed belonged to former ministers or MPS of the ruling party.