Probe Finds Borella Shooting Victim Was Targeted: Police

Initial investigations into the Borella shooting have revealed that the 23-year-old youth who died after being admitted to the National Hospital was the intended target.

The victim, identified as Suresh Madushan from Kelaniya, was reportedly a member of the Sri Lankan drug network of trafficker ‘Wanate Chathu’, who is believed to be in Dubai. Police said Madushan had been released from remand only days earlier on drug charges.

According to police, two unidentified assailants on a scooter opened fire on a group using a T-56 assault rifle, firing about 26 rounds. One person was killed and four others, aged between 21 and 23, were injured, two of them critically.

The attack is suspected to have been carried out by members of a rival gang led by ‘Kudu Duminda’. Investigations revealed the group had gathered to organise a cricket match scheduled for Friday at the Sirisara Uyana Stadium. The brother of ‘Kudu Chathu’, said to be hiding overseas, was also reportedly present.

Police have traced the motorcycle used in the shooting and identified one suspect. The Borella Police and Colombo South Criminal Investigation Bureau are continuing investigations with the aid of CCTV footage.

The shooting occurred just hours after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament he would restore the rule of law and dismantle the criminal underworld.