Sri Lankan MP who fired shots against protesters found dead

COLOMBO: Ruling party MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala has been found dead in Sri Lanka amid mounting protests against the government. The MP was found dead in a nearby building this evening.

Earlier in the day, Amarakeerthi had fired shots at protesters for blocking his vehicle. Two protesters suffered serious injuries. Following the incident, a more violent mob tried to attack the MP. Amarakeerthi was then seen running into a nearby building. He was later found dead inside this building.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned over popular protests in the country. Earlier, Rajapaksa loyalists had launched attacks against an anti-government protest site in the commercial capital city of Colombo. Mahinda supporters had also attacked the opposition leader, who was present at the site. Following this, a nationwide curfew was imposed on the island. Troops have been deployed at the site of violence.