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Sri Lanka's opposition takes early lead in elections

Sri Lanka's main opposition party has taken an early lead for control of the country's Parliament.

It follows the most violent election in which at least 57 people were killed and tens of thousands were kept from voting by intimidation, violence and blockades.

The United National Party, which governed the country for 17-years until President Chandrika Kumaratunga's Peoples Alliance assumed power in 1994, received more than 230-thousand votes against the 180-thousand for the Peoples' Alliance.

Meanwhile, the government extended a night-time curfew until later today, apparently fearing violence.

Counting of votes will continue and final results are expected by late Friday.

6/12/01 16:33:16 | ABC Radio Australia News

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