Former Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekera, who was jailed on suspicion of murder of a UNP supporter in Pelmadulla at the last presidential election, has topped the UPFA’s preferential list in Ratnapura. 

Jayasekera, alias ‘Choka Malli’ contested Monday’s parliamentary election from prison. 

UPFA Ratnapura District Candidate and former Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, at an s rally last week, pledged that one of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s first duties when he assumed the premiership after the 17 August poll would be to release Jayasekera from prison. 

Jayasekera was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting during the January presidential election campaign that left one dead and several injured in the district. (DB)