Negombo Shooting: Target was a drug offender; Passer-by also injured

COLOMBO (News 1st); Motorcycle gunmen opened fire at a man traveling in a car close to the Negombo Court on Wednesday (31) afternoon.

Sri Lanka Police said that the 40-year-old driver of the car, identified as Suresh Pushpakumara from Katuwellagama, Katana was injured in the shooting.

Police said the motorcycle gunmen had targeted the driver and used a pistol to carry out the shooting.

In addition, Police said the injured man is one who was remanded for a drug case and was recently released on bail.

He was targeted by the gunmen when he was visiting the Negombo High Court to appear in a case related to drug peddling.

Sri Lanka Police said another 51-year-old motorcyclist was also injured in the shooting, and he suffered gunshot injuries to his ankle.

Both injured men are being treated at the same hospital.

Investigations have revealed the license plate of the motorcycle used for the crime, however, police are conducting further investigations to determine if the plates are fake.

On the 27th of July 2022, a criminal gangster known as 'Pas Podda', wanted for multiple crimes, was brutally gunned down near the Gampaha Court.

On the 4th of August, a gunman opened fire inside the Mount Lavinia Magistrate's Court, and the target of that shooting was a man who was accused of credit card fraud.