Cyril Basnayake our Anuradhapura correspondent and his wife Sheela of Lakbima and son Sahan, Anuradhapura correspondent of Rupavahini were threatened with death by a gang led by a Samurdhi animator based at Basawakkulama, Anuradhapura.

The Samurdhi official and his associates, taking advantage of their political connections and Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu campaign carried out under Mahinda Chintanaya had grabbed six acres of an eight-acre land at Basawakkulama belonging to Cyril Basnayaka, who brought his plight to the notice of the President, Governor of the North Central Province Karunaratne Divulgane and Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake.

Well informed sources said this gang was backed by some government officials. The sources said that they had grabbed state land on many occasions but relevant authorities turned a blind eye thereby allowing them a free run in the Anuradhapura District.