The UPF is led by P Chandrasekaran who was a deputy minister in the People’s Alliance (PA) government. He left immediately before presidential elections in December 1999, and offered his support to the opposition United National Party (UNP). He was elected as MP for Nuwara Eliya at the general elections on 10 October, on the UNP ticket.
Some allege that troubles began after a gang attacked the protestors. Others say the protestors themselves launched the attacks. Twenty two shops belonging to Tamils and Sinhalese, including a shop owned by Mr Chandrasekaran, were burned. On Meddakumbura Estate, mobs attacked a Tamil family killing an 80 year-old man. Press reports say three women in the family were abducted and raped. Four carriages of the Colombo-Badulla train were burned at Watagoda.
The police opened fire wounding a number of people, including a Tamil youth who later died in Kandy hospital. The authorities deployed the Army and imposed a 48-hour curfew in Nuwara Eliya District. The police also opened fire at crowds in Boralande. S Mathavan was seriously wounded and died in hospital. S Sivakumar, shot in the head, was arrested by police in Kandy hospital.
Buses were targeted in Ginigathena, ten miles north-west of Hatton, wounding many Tamils. Fifteen Tamil shops in Ginigathena were looted and set ablaze. Sources say the Army allowed around 500 Sinhalese on the streets during curfew and participated in the destruction.
The events in Ginigathena prompted local citizens in Hatton, both Sinhalese and Tamil, to request the government not to deploy the Army in the town. The authorities declined but issued curfew passes to 60 youths to be on the streets in the night. Local people say that the police in Hatton acted impartially and prevented violence in the area.
Some 500 people belonging to both communities have become refugees and have taken refuge in schools and temples. Over 50,000 plantation workers who refused to work from 30 October, returned after four days.
Mr Chandrasekaran was arrested on 30 October accused of inciting violence, but was released by a court. His decision to protest during tension in the Hill Country has been criticized. He argues that protests are essential in a democracy and the right to demonstrate against injustice is being denied. The government measure of arresting an MP without obtaining permission from Parliament Speaker has also come under criticism.