Kataragama shooting : Suspects still at large, investigation into actions of security detail

COLOMBO (News 1st) - No arrests have been made in connection to the attempt made on the life of the Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera in Kataragama. A senior police officer for the area said the suspects have been identified and measures have been taken to prevent them from leaving the country. The Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Temple in Kataragama who is injured in the shooting is being treated at a private hospital in Colombo, and a spokesperson for the hospital said that Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda thero. is out of danger. Police said the suspects who opened fire at the Chief Incumbent and another Monk on Tuesday (June 12) night, were identified hours after the incident took place. The former Sharman or Kapu Mahattaya of the Mahasen Devalaya in Kataragama, Asela Bandara, is the chief suspect in the incident. Police said the other suspects were the brother of the chief suspect and an assistant at the devalaya, however, they are yet to be arrested. Speaking to News 1st, Police said they are investigating the telephone communication between the suspects. The SUV used for the shooting is in the custody of the Kataragama police. Police Media Spokesperson, SP Ruwan Gunaskera, said the IGP instructed to deploy eight teams for investigations and they are investigating around 20 locations used by the suspects to hide. Questions have also arisen as to why the security detail of the thero did not open fire against the shooters or take steps to apprehend them. Police Spokesperson SP Gunasekara said that an internal investigation has been launched into their actions. It is now reported, the shooting could have been politically motivated and goes beyond the issue of right at the Mahasen Devalaya.  (Watch video for more)