The murder of former Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha member Shantha Mudunkotuwa is suspected to have been carried out on the orders of an overseas underworld figure as part of a violent extortion campaign targeting land traders.
The murder of former Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha member Shantha Mudunkotuwa is suspected to have been carried out on the orders of an overseas underworld figure as part of a violent extortion campaign targeting land traders.
Investigations have revealed that Mudunkotuwa, who was engaged in land transactions, had become entangled in a network of racketeering led by Lalith Kannangara, a notorious criminal currently residing abroad. Kannangara is alleged to have extorted money from individuals involved in land dealings in areas such as Hanwella, Homagama, Megoda, Athurugiriya, Battaramulla, and Talawattegoda.
One major dispute involved the forceful seizure of two plots of land from the family of former Police Inspectors’ Association chairman and current lawyer Dale Gunaratne. Forged documents were allegedly used to claim ownership of several properties in the Talawattegoda area, aided by corrupt officials in land registries, local authorities, and sections of the police.
Gunaratne’s complaint led the Colombo Crime Division to launch a probe, which uncovered an organised operation involving document forgery, land grabs, and intimidation. Businesspeople in the affected areas were reportedly living in constant fear of death due to the threats.
Police suspect that Mudunkotuwa’s killing was ordered in connection with these land-grabbing operations. According to investigators, two convicted criminals serving prison sentences were contracted to carry out the shooting on Kannangara’s instructions.
The assailant arrived in a vehicle, shot the victim, and fled. The getaway car was later found abandoned near the Battaramulla Palatumuna Junction. The driver, identified as Damith Indika, a relative of an underworld figure known as “Suddha” from Polonnaruwa, was arrested. A GLOCK-type pistol believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered from him.
Police also confirmed that Kannangara is the subject of international red notices. He had previously been detained in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but was released on both occasions without extradition to Sri Lanka.
