Presidential aide, bodyguard killed during S. Lanka vote

COLOMBO: 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.

Former ruling party lawmaker and advisor to the president, Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, was pronounced 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. (AFP)