Suspect Arrested in Connection to Kahawatta Shooting That Killed 22-Year-Old

COLOMBO (News 1st): A suspect believed to be the gunman involved in the recent fatal shooting of a young man in the Endana, Kahawatta has been arrested in Kiribathgoda.

According to Police, the arrest was a result of an extensive investigation carried out by the Colombo North Crimes Division, acting on intelligence provided to the Special Task Force (STF).

The suspect, a 43-year-old resident of Rambukkana, is reported to have served in the military for 18 years. 

During the arrest, authorities also recovered 12 grams of ICE Narcotics in his possession.

Investigations revealed that a 9mm pistol had been used in the Kahawatta shooting.

Police further added that the suspect is already facing several ongoing court cases in the Padukka and Rambukkana courts.

The shooting incident occurred on June 30, when an armed group, disguised as police officers, arrived at a house in the Koskella area of Endana. They abducted two twin brothers and one of their friends, tying them up before taking them away in a jeep to an isolated location.

There, they were shot—resulting in the death of 22-year-old Irantha Suranjana. 

One of his friends was injured, while the elder of the two abducted brothers managed to escape and survive by fleeing from the attackers.