Lanka Prez visits opposition lawmaker after reported firing

The incident reported last night prompted the President to pay an unusual visit to the lawmaker's residence.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) legislator Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha's Colombo suburban house was reportedly fired at by an unknown group last night.

"I heard two gun shots past midnight yesterday. Immediately after the firing I heard a vehicle speeding away towards the main road. I opened the window and looked around, could not see anyone.

"In the morning when I was leaving house I found two used cartridges which looked to be the type used in pistols," Wijeyadasa told a local radio.

President Rajapaksa this morning visited his house after he reported the firing incident, presidential officials said.

Wijeyadasa is the Chair of the lawyers' apex body, Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) which last week resolved to follow three drastic actions against Sri Lankan President's attempt to impeach the chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake, the country's first woman top judge.

The BASL resolution would mean its members would not recognise Bandaranayake's successor if she were to be removed as a result of a process which is unfair and lacking in transparency.

Presidential officials said Rajapaksa inquired about Rajapaksha's well being and assured investigation into the alleged shooting.

The suburban Mirihana police said investigation is underway.