In a shocking turn of events, the leader of the 'Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya' (Our Power of People Party), Saman Perera, has been confirmed as one of the casualties in a shooting incident that occurred earlier today (22 Jan.) in Beliatta, Tangalle.

Between 08:30 a.m. and 08:40 a.m. this morning, chaos erupted near the Beliatta interchange of the Southern Expressway.

Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodathathe Gnanasara Thera and Aturaliye Rathana Thera contested the last Parliamentary election under the Ape Janabala Party. 

A group of individuals, who arrived in a green color double-cab, unleashed gunfire at a Defender vehicle in a brazen attack that has left the community in shock.