Two jailed for attempt to kill Sri Lankan ex-president

Two people were on Wednesday sentenced to long prison terms by a Sri Lankan court for an assassination bid on former President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Velayuthan Vartharajah was sentenced to 290 years' imprisonment, to be served in 30 years, and Chandra Ragupathi was sentenced to 300 years' imprisonment, to be served in 30 years, by the Colombo high court.

A third accused, Vasanthi Ragupathi, was acquitted.

The two attempted to kill Kumaratunga in 1999. They were also found guilty for the bomb explosion that claimed the lives of 26 people.

The blast left 26 people dead while Kumaratunga sustained injuries on her eye and face. - IANS