A suspect who had been sought in connection with several murders met his demise during a shootout with the Police Special Task Force in the Burutakanda area of Sooriyawewa.
Furthermore, the police have confirmed that this same suspect was involved in the recent killing of Valle Saranga’s brother-in-law in the Mahabage area.
On the 21st, a tragic incident unfolded in the Mahaba area of Alapitiwala, where a businessman—allegedly the brother-in-law of Welle Saranga—was fatally shot by two assailants on a motorcycle.
The police, in collaboration with the Police Special Task Force, swiftly apprehended the shooter responsible for this heinous crime.
Additionally, two individuals who aided and abetted the perpetrator were also taken into custody last Saturday.
During the interrogation of these suspects, authorities uncovered that the person riding the motorcycle from which the shooter emerged was found to be hiding in within a forested area in Adigama, Sooriyawewa.
Responding promptly, a team from the Police Special Task Force initiated an operation in the specified area early this morning.
Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect in hiding opened fire on the Special Task Force officers using a revolver. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the suspect sustained injuries.
The wounded suspect was admitted to Sooriyawewa Hospital but tragically succumbed to the injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Simultaneously, an officer from the Police Special Task Force was also injured and received medical attention at Sooriyawewa Hospital.
The deceased suspect has been identified as Nuwan Lakshitha, a 44-year-old resident of the Meella area. Notably, he retired from the army on January 15 after serving for 25 years.
“A person was shot dead in the Kittam-Pahuwa area in Wellampitiya on the 28th of August 2023. The shooters had arrived at the scene using this motorcycle, and investigations revealed that this suspect was the rider. In addition, a person was injured in a shooting close to the Seenigama Devalaya in Meetiyagoda on the 13th of June 2023. It has been revealed that this suspect was rising the motorcycle in which the shooter arrived. This was a coordinated operation between the Mahabage Police, Colombo – North Crimes Division, Police Special Task Force, and the Sooriyawewa Police,” detailed Police Spokesperson and Attorney-at-Law DIG Nihal Thalduwa.
According to police findings, the deceased individual was actively involved in transporting criminals via motorcycle for various illicit activities.
Subsequent investigations have further disclosed that he received substantial compensation—300,000 rupees each —for facilitating criminal operations in both the Wellampitiya and Mahaba areas.
Source: Newsfirstr
