NPP candidate injured during protest dies in hospital

A member and local government candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP), who had suffered an injury during yesterday’s protest in Colombo, has reportedly succumbed to injuries today (Feb. 27).

The deceased has been identified as 61-year-old Nimal Amarasiri, an NPP candidate for the Nivithigala Pradeshiya Sabha at the upcoming 2023 Local Government Election.

Hospital sources said that he was admitted to the ICU of the Colombo National Hospital due to an eye injury sustained during the protest yesterday and that he had passed away at around 11.00 a.m. today. 

Over 20 persons who were injured during yesterday’s protest were reportedly brought to the National Hospital in Colombo for treatment after tear gas and water cannons were fired in attempts to disperse the protesters. 

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, speaking on the incident, said that around 28 injured persons were hospitalised and that several of them have been discharged so far. 

Of the persons still undergoing treatment at the hospital, at least two were in critical condition while it has now been reported that one of them has succumbed to injuries, he said.

He confirmed that the deceased, Mr. Nimal Amarasiri was a candidate of the NPP for the Nivithigala Pradeshiya Sabha in Ratnapura District.