Violence escalates as Norway fails in bid to end Sri Lanka peace deadlock

Sri Lanka Tuesday investigated escalating violence as a top Norwegian envoy ended another mission without a breakthrough in restarting peace talks between Tiger rebels and the government, officials said.











Sri Lanka Tuesday investigated escalating violence as a top Norwegian envoy ended another mission without a breakthrough in restarting peace talks between Tiger rebels and the government, officials said. Police and the military were investigating two shootings Monday in the eastern province that occurred hours after a visit by Britain's Prince Charles, a military official here said.

The military tightened usually strict security in Batticaloa district for Charles to inspect tsunami destruction in the area, but soon after he left gunmen opened fire at a former soldier.

Defence officials said the victim was in hospital and an investigation was underway after he made a statement blaming Tiger rebels for the shooting.

However, the man succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, officials said.

The Batticaloa shooting came shortly after gunmen shot and wounded three women Tiger rebels in adjoining Ampara district, officials said.

The unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on the wome