The suspect involved in the shooting incident at the ‘Jeewamana Christ Church’ in Manampitiya Ayurveda Place has been arrested by the police.
The shooting took place around 7:00 p.m. yesterday (18), when the suspect opened fire at the church premises before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, although a window of the church was damaged in the incident.
Following a tip-off, officers from the Manampitiya Police Station conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of the suspect. A locally-manufactured firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was also seized during the operation.
The suspect has been identified as a 38-year-old resident of Main Road, Manampitiya.
According to police investigations, the individual approached the church gate, appeared to survey the premises, then returned to the road and discharged the firearm before escaping.
Preliminary findings suggest that the motive behind the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute with the pastor of the church.
Manampitiya Police are continuing further investigations into the incident.
