From S. H. Mithrapala
Beliatta — A powerful time bomb exploded around 2.00 a.m. yesterday destroying the roof of Puwakdandawa, Medagoda Pottery Trading Centre, which is a polling centre in today’s general election.

This was the third attack aimed at this building by unidentified gangs. Earlier two attempts were made by setting fire to the roof of the building which was abortive as the neighbours managed to put out the fire and save the building.

This building was used for the first time as a polling centre for the last general election as a lot of election malpractices took place when the centre was at Puwakdandawa, Beliatta. During the last nine elections except 2000 October general election voters of Medagama were harrassed, intimidated and obstructed in many ways by organised armed gangs to prevent them casting their votes.

After a number of complaints to the Commissioner of Elections, the centre was shifted to Medagoda Pottery Training Centre. Tomorrow’s election arrangements with regard to this polling centre is in the balance. Medagoda people say that they are scared to go to Puwakdandawa to cast their vote.

Beliatta police conducts inquiries.