By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

Claiming that plans were afoot to set on fire some 100 houses of politicians including SJB MPs and political leaders on May 10 last year, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said yesterday these plans were foiled as armed forces were ordered to shoot on sight. 

He told Parliament that a list of 100 houses had been prepared to be set on fire on May 10 and some SJB MPs and political leaders were on top of this list.  

“Having received this information, we informed the Defence Secretary to order the armed forces to shoot at sight. They carried out three shootings. One in Rathgama, another two in Angoda and Pitakotte. If not for these three shootings, more than 100 houses would have been set ablaze,” he said.  

The Minister said houses and offices of SLPP MPs were destroyed on May 9 through a prepared list. these plans were foiled as armed forces were ordered to shoot on sight.