Military deployed as political violence increases

On 21 August 2008 the Sri Lankan military was deployed to several provinces in Sri Lanka as political violence has increased in these areas in the run-up to local elections scheduled for 23 August 2008. Reports state that soldiers have been sent to the North Central province, located approximately 112 mi/180 km northeast of Colombo, the capital, and to Sabaragamuwa province, located 62 mi/100 km south-east of Colombo. Reports state that offices of opposition parties were attacked and set on fire, while assailants attacked several politicians. Election monitors stated that violence had increased sharply in the previous two days, as instances of voter intimidation, shootings and physical attacks against party supporters have been reported.