Colombo, July 31 (IANS): One person was killed and 12 injured on Friday when gunmen opened fire at ruling United National Party (UNP) supporters in Sri Lanka's capital ahead of parliamentary polls, media reports said.
The incident took place in the city's Kotahena suburb, the Colombo Gazette reported.
Police said the UNP supporters were engaged in campaigning in the Kotahena area to support Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake when gunmen travelling in two vehicles opened fire.
The victim was a female, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.
Election monitors said the shooting claimed the first victim in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Xinhua reported.
Elections to select a new parliament will take place on August 17 with the UNP and the United Peoples Freedom Alliance being the main contenders.