The World - News from Dec. 19, 1988

Voters in Sri Lanka cast ballots for a new president amid fears of violence by rebels who vowed to block the vote. At least nine people were killed in election-eve attacks, including six people who were gunned down in a raid on an opposition politician’s home. Police blamed the Marxist People’s Liberation Front for that attack and for a bomb explosion aboard a bus that killed at least three people and wounded 50. The front has threatened to kill anyone who votes, and the government responded by declaring that anyone who tried to prevent voters from casting their ballots could face the death penalty. Three candidates are seeking the post now held by President Junius R. Jayewardene, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term.