Matara shootout : Slain officer laid to rest

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Constable Suranga Pradeep Weerasinghe of the Matara Police who succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained in a shootout with an armed gang, was laid to rest today. The heroic constable was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a mark of respect for the slain constable, shops across the Matara town were closed today. Floral tributes were also paid by air as the cortege passed through the Matara town. His remains were laid to rest at the Matara Cemetery this evening. Meanwhile, Kosgoda Tharaka, a criminal wanted in connection with a number of cases of organized crime, who was shot and wounded in the shootout was brought to Angunukolapelessa today along with another suspect. Our correspondent noted that they were escorted to the Angunukolapelessa prison amidst a heavy security presence. Galle Chief Magistrate Nishantha Peiris arrived at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital yesterday and ordered that both suspects be remanded until the 2nd of July. Two more suspects wanted in connection with the robbery and shooting are still at large. Police noted that one of the suspects still at large is the driver of the vehicle used by the thieves.