Tamil Minister's aide shot dead in Colombo

Colombo, July 24: The Public Relations officer of an anti-LTTE Tamil party minister was shot dead in the heavily-guarded capital city this morning by unknown gunmen, alleged to be members of the LTTE pistol group.

According to police sources, Saravanamuttu Mahakanapathipillai (55), Public Relations officer of Minister of Social Service and Social Welfare, Douglas Devananda, who is also the leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), was shot dead while he was returning after prayers at Wellawatta here.

''There is no doubt that it was the work of the LTTE pistol hit squad,'' an EPDP official told UNI over the phone, alleging that over 200 party members had been killed by LTTE since truce agreement came into operation.

The EPDP, a partner of President Mahinda Rajapakse's coalition government, has been vociferous against the LTTE's policies and activities.

Wellawatta police is investigating the incident.

UNI

Related Stories