Deputy Chairman of Karandeniya Pradeshiya Sabha shot dead

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Deputy Chairman of the Karandeniya Pradeshiya Sabha Donald Sampath was shot dead last night when travelling in his SUV. Police have arrested one person for his suspected involvement in the crime. Two men in a motorbike had opened fire at the SUV in which Donald Sampath and three others were travelling in from Uragasmanhandiya towards Karandeniya. According to the Police, the motorbike has met with an accident while fleeing the scene. One suspect was injured and had admitted himself at the Uragasmanhandiya Hospital for treatment. Police further stated that this suspect identified as 22-year-old Asela Ranasinghe alias Magala Gavaralage Putha is the rider of the motorbike, and he has been arrested. The motrobike used by the suspects was seized by the police along with a T56 Assault Rifle Magazine and a Mobile Phone. It is suspected that the assasination could be the result of a dispute between two underworld factions. The younger brother of the slain Deputy Chairman of the Karadeniya Pradeshiya is currently in remand custody for the possession of a firearm. Police stated the slain politician had maintained a friendship with with an Underworld Leader from the South known as Kosgoda Sujee, however it had turned into a rivalry some time back. Several local politicians paid the price with their lives due to underworld activity in the recent past. The most recent incident took place on the 24th of May when Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Muncipal Councilor Ranjith De Silva was assassinated by an underworld gang.