Sri Lankan opposition lawmaker shot dead

Colombo, January 1: Former Sri Lankan Minister and Tamilian lawmaker T Maheswaran was on Tuesday shot dead by unidentified assailants at a temple in the heart of Colombo where he had gone to offer prayers on New Year.

The opposition United National Party leader died of a gun shot injury along with a civilian, police spokesman N K Ilangakoon said.

Five others were injured in the shooting, he said.

Maheswaran, who was attacked at near Sri Ponnambala Vaneswara Hindu Temple in Kotahena, succumbed to his injuries at the Colombo General Hospital.

Asked if Tamil Tiger rebels could be behind the attack, Ilangakoon said: "At this moment we cannot identify the assailants."

A search operation is on, he added.

Maheswaran, in his 40s, is a former Minister and represents Colombo district in Parliament.