Sri Lanka has imposed an islandwide overnight curfew after fresh political clashes killed up to seven more people in one of its bloodiest elections on record.
The government announced the curfew after the opposition Muslim Congress said the seven of its supporters were shot dead and six seriously wounded in a clash with supporters of the ruling Peoples' Alliance (PA) after polling ended near the central town of Madawala.
The victims were escorting a ballot box when they were attacked by PA gunmen, a spokesman for the Muslim Congress said.
Police confirmed an attack had taken place, but could give no details of casualties. Local television stations showed pictures of the scene. Officials of the ruling party were not immediately available for comment.
At least 15 people, including a seven-year-old boy, were killed yesterday, taking the election death toll close to 60, with 700 people injured.
The curfew runs from 9.30 p.m. to dawn.
