Two shootings in Colombo within 24 hours

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Security units say the shooting in the Ratmalana area which left an Army Corporal injured, was the result of a personal dispute. At around 7.20 AM today (June 25), an Army Corporal was injured in a shooting down Chakindarama road in Ratmalana which falls under the Mount Lavinia Police Division. Army Media Spokesperson, Brig. Sumith Atapattu said the victim who was shot is Corporal Amal Yasis Prabhath, driver of Lt. Col. W.D.C. Perera. The Corporal sustained injuries to this left arm and was admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital for treatment. According to the Police, the shooting was carried out by gunmen who arrived in a three-wheeler and motorbike. Further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, one person was injured in a shooting that took place in Jampata Street, Kotahena area last night. The victim was identified as Karuppaiya Palani Ganesh, a father of three and a resident of 137 Watta, he is currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital. According to the reports he was shot by two gunmen on a motorbike around 9.15 PM yesterday (June 24). The victim's wife had been murdered by a certain group around three years ago. Police believe two of the suspects behind the murder were killed by Ganesh's two sons and that yesterday's shooting is connected to this dispute. The Kotahena Police is conducting further investigations into the shooting. State minister of Defense, Ruwan Wijewardena speaking regarding the prevailing situation stated that a program will be initiate to eradicate such gangs. He stated that this has become something essential over the past few days and ever since the end of the war, various gangs have got a hold of weapons which they have been using for some time.