A 42-year-old individual has been fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with the Police Special Task Force in Thelwatta, Metiyagoda.
Police have identified the deceased individual as a suspect linked to the murder of former Police Inspector Balendrasinghe, who was fatally shot by two unidentified gunmen in Rathgama, Galle, on October 9.
Acting on intelligence that a suspected underworld figure was harbored within a residence in the Thelwatta area, officers from the Police Special Task Force were dispatched to the location.
The suspect, who was concealed in the house, initiated the confrontation by firing at the STF officers.
In the ensuing encounter, the suspect was shot while attempting to retaliate.
Police said that the suspect succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Balapitiya Hospital.
The deceased is known to be a resident of Wadduwa.
