Deputy Minister and UNP candidate Sujeewa Senasinghe on Saturday stated that former president Mahinda Rajapaksa had no connection with the gun fire attack that happened in Kotahena.

Speaking at an election meeting Senasinghe further said that he did not want to hide the truth to gain political benefits.

“The shooting incident was a result of a clash between two underworld factions. Rajapaksa has nothing to do with it,” he elaborated.

Shots fired at a group of supporters of UNP candidate Ravi Karunanayake who were engaging in election campaigning at Bloemendhal road, Kotahena on July 31. One woman died and twelve other persons were injured because of the incident.

Condemning the attack on his supporters Karunanayake stated that the attack as an “act of political terrorism”. Karunanayake hit out at forces loyal to Rajapaksa saying they want to silence him.

Rajapaksa’s spokesperson Rohan Welivita refuted statement made by Karunananaye and stressed that it was a shame that Karunanayake is pointing finger at Rajapaksa without a proper police investigation.

However on August 01 the reports said that the attack might be related to a longstanding clash between two underworld factions in the area.