Presidential aide, bodyguard killed during Sri Lanka vote

A presidential aide and a bodyguard were shot dead during Saturday's local council elections in Sri Lanka's capital in a contest seen as a mid-term test for President Mahinda Rajapakse, police said.

A presidential aide and a bodyguard were shot dead during Saturday's local council elections in Sri Lanka's capital in a contest seen as a mid-term test for President Mahinda Rajapakse, police said.

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Former ruling party lawmaker and advisor to the president, Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, was pronunced dead shortly after being taken to hospital following a clash with a ruling party legislator who was also critically hurt.

Police said the two men were taken to separate hospitals along with dozens of their supporters who were also wounded.

A bodyguard of Premachandra was also killed.

Official sources said Premachandra and his bodyguard were slain by a group led by ruling party legislator Duminda Silva, who was also critically wounded in the gunbattle.

No other incidents of violence were reported during the nine-hour voting period in and around the capital.