Violence escalates as Norway fails to end Lankan deadlock
AFP, Colombo
Sri Lanka yesterday investigated escalating violence as a top Norwegian envoy ended another mission without a breakthrough in restarting peace negotiations between Tiger rebels and the government, officials said. Police and the military were investigating two shootings Monday in the eastern province that occurred hours after a visit by Britain's Prince Charles, a military official here said. The military tightened usually strict security in Batticaloa district for Charles to inspect tsunami destruction in the area, but soon after he left gunmen opened fire at a former soldier. Defence officials said the victim was in hospital and an investigation was underway after he made a statement blaming Tiger rebels for the shooting. The Batticaloa shooting came shortly after gunmen shot and wounded three women Tiger rebels in adjoining Ampara district, officials said.
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