A SRI Lanka lawmaker who shot dead an anti-government protester this week was later lynched by a mob, showed a forensics report today, contradicting a police report that he died by suicide.

Amarakeerthi Athukorala opened fire on people blocking his car’s path in the town of Nittambuwa on Monday, after the country erupted into violence when government loyalists attacked peaceful protesters.

Police said Athukorala tried to take refuge in a building and shot himself after being surrounded by about 5,000 people.

“The MP’s death is due to multiple fractures, injuries and internal bleeding, but his body has no gunshot wounds,” said the Lankadeepa newspaper, quoting the autopsy report.

Athukorala’s police bodyguard died of gunshot injuries. Police have been ordered to investigate and find out who may have fired the shot.

The duo’s car was surrounded by a large crowd, which took to the streets after a club-wielding mob attacked a peaceful protest demanding the resignation of the government over the painful economic crisis in the country.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who protesters blamed for orchestrating the violence, resigned soon after. He was later forced to flee the capital Colombo, taking refuge at a naval base.

Nine people were killed in incidents related to the unrest, while at least 225 were wounded and hospitalised.

An overnight curfew is still in place across Sri Lanka. – AFP, May 13, 2022.