Chief editor of anti-govt newspaper shot dead in Lanka capital

Colombo, Jan 8 (PTI) The chief editor of a Sri Lankan
newspaper known for its strong views against government was
shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-borne gunmen here
Thursday, the second attack on the private media within three
days.
Lasantha Wickramatunga, chief editor of the 'Sunday
Leader', was attacked at the busy Bakery Junction in Attidiya
area in the heart of Colombo by two armed men during the
morning rush-hour when he was going to his office in his car,
police said.

The motorcycle-borne gunmen blocked his vehicle and
opened fire, they said. The attackers fled the scene after
critically wounding Wickramatunga, who later died in the
hospital where he was admitted with severe head injuries.

Wickramatunga, who was in his late 40s, was first
admitted to Kalubowila Hospital and then shifted to the
Colombo General Hospital for surgery.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse condemned the
incident and ordered an inquiry into it.

The island nation's Parliament also debated the issue
with JVP member Sunil Hanthunnethy saying the government
should take responsibility for the incident as it came closely
on the heels of the attack on Maharaja TV channel.

He was referring to the incident two days ago when more
than a dozen gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenades
raided the private television station and destroyed much of
its equipment.

The Information Ministry said the latest attack was aimed
at tarnishing the image of the government. PTI