A political rally of Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena has come under attack in Pelmadulla.

Several people were hospitalized after the attack and five personal security officers of the Common Candidate were injured as a result.

Several UNP MPs were also present on the stage when the attack took place. When the group started pelting stones at the stage, eye-witnesses said, the security officers surrounded the Common Candidate. 

Speaking to Sirasa TV a short while ago, Maithripala Sirisena said that stones were pelted at his political rally in Pelmadulla and that the people who were gathered at the rally dispersed as a result of the attack.

Sirisena alleged that the attack was deliberately carried out by the ruling party in order to sabotage his election  campaign. "It is truly shameful to see the 'democracy' of President Mahinda Rajapaksa stoop to this low", he added.

Sources confirmed that over 20 000 people were present at the political rally.