Home of Opposition Activist Attacked with Petrol Bomb in Sri Lanka

Days ahead of a presidential election, the home of an opposition activist has been attacked with a petrol bomb in Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, reported BBC citing police.

In the explosion, home of Tiran Alles, an ally of Sarath Fonseka, the main election rival to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was damaged besides a car, report said.

However, Alles, who is a businessman, escaped unhurt, said report.

Just a couple of days ago, the UN had expressed concerns over growing violence ahead of the January 26 presidential vote.

In the election, Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief General Fonseka – who headed an army offensive to victory against LTTE – is pitted against incumbent President Rajapaksa, who provided political backing for the offensive, said report.

Fonseka stepped down as chief of defence staff in November after differences with the government over who should take credit for defeating the rebels.

Violence is increasing as the election draws round the corner, report said.

“There was an explosion at my house. Somebody threw a bomb, and part of my house was burned and my car is in ashes,” Alles was quoted as saying.