Sri Lanka : Gunmen attack buses carrying voters in Mannar, amid presidential polls

As Sri Lanka goes to polls on Saturday, unidentified gunmen have opened fire on a convoy of buses carrying voters in Mannar, rthwest Sri Lanka, according to AFP. re have been reports of casualties as of w. Police have stated that unidentified group also hurled stones on buses. injuries or arrests have reportedly been done as of w.

Gunmen attacks voters

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Srilankan Presidential race

presidential race in Sri Lanka this year marks comeback for Rajapaksa clan. main contenders in race are former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's bror Gotabaya (70) and  Sajith Premasa (52). Gotabaya Rajapaksa is former defense chief of nation,  popular for his part in ending Sri Lanka’s 37- year-long civil war against Tamil Tigers in 2009 and is eyeing a comeback after his bror lost Presidential race in 2015.

His main contender - Premasa from governing liberal United National Party (UNP) and son of assassinated former president Ranasinghe Premasa is eyeing to keep legacy running, reportedly campaigning for development and equality. But in wake of 2019 Easter attacks, Rajapaksas ored by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese majority and feared by 15% Tamil mirity, have run up ir campaign mainly on security. A record number of 35 candidates are eyeing top post and votes of 16 million people in Island country.

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Incidentally, while Gotobaya is eyeing presidential post, his bror Mahinda is reportedly set to contend for Prime Minister's post. Apart from this, two or brors from Rajapaksa clan are political strategists for ir Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party. One of m is reportedly also eyeing speaker's post, putting a Rajapaksa in all top government posts in nation.

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Easter Attacks

Meanwhile, current President - Mathirapalli Sirisena is under fire for lack of security during Easter attacks, plunging country into multiple emergencies from April 22 to August 24. On April  21, a series of eight bomb explosions destroyed churches and or high-end hotels across country killing 260 people and injuring over 500.  Later, a local terror group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath h also claimed responsibility for attacks. On September 6, Sri Lankan police authorities said that y have reportedly arrested 293 suspects that might have connections with bombings, remanding 115 more for questioning. 

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