Steps taken to hand over ex-gratia to slain Lankan

Madurai, Oct 12 (UNI) The Madurai district administration will hand hand over an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh, sanctioned by the Tamil Nadu Government, to the family of a Sri Lankan national, who was shot dead by a security guard in front of the Central Prison here recently.

In a release here, the district administration said the amount would be handed over to the bereaved family members of Warnakulasooriya Canicius Fernando (44), a native of Negombo in Sri Lanka through the Indian embassy in the island nation.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had sanctioned the amount from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund, the release added.

Fernando was shot dead by a sentry at the entrance of the Madurai Central Prison on October 5 last when he attempted to forcibly enter the prohibited area. He had come to meet his four fishermen colleagues, lodged in the prison.

UNI