An extensive police investigation is underway over the incident where a group of four (04) unidentified gunmen opened fire at an election campaign rally in the capital city of Colombo that killed a woman and wounded many others.

The attackers sprayed bullets into the crowd of supporters of UNP Colombo District Candidate and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

Director of the National Hospital Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that 14 persons who were injured were admitted to hospital and one woman was pronounced dead at the time of admission.

The crowd of supporters of the candidate had commenced their election campaign from the Bloemendhal Flats and proceeded toward the Sugathadasa Stadium. Gunmen opened fire at the crowd of supporters opposite the St. Benedict’s College grounds in Colombo.

The victim was a 45 year old mother of three from Kimbula-Ela, Sitti Fareeza Sitti Naseema , who was killed in this mornings shooting. She lived in a house in which three families lived together only to be separated by wooden partitions.

Her sole mean of employment was the sale of string hoppers and her husband was a physically challenged individual and operates as a three-wheeler driver provide for his family.

Relative of the victim stated that she went for the meeting believing that she will get a house

Her children are still suffering from the shock of the news that their mother who cared for them and protected them , is no more.

The victims son stated that our brother was told go there and he returned and said that our mother is no more and now I have no one

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