Priyantha Sirisena, a brother of President Maithripala Sirisena, is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Colombo after being attacked by an axe last evening.

Priyantha Sirisena, also known as ‘Weli Raju’ is a businessman engaged in sand mining. He was attacked with an axe in the back of his head last evening at around 7pm at Hathare Ela, Polonnaruwa.

A youth named Lakmal later surrendered to the Bakamuna Police over the incident. He told police that he attacked Sirisena over a private dispute.

Priyantha Sirisena was first admitted to Polonnaruwa hospital but was airlifted to National Hospital in Colombo. He underwent an operation which reportedly went on until 3am. Sirisena was later transferred to a private hospital and remains in a critical condition.