Three more suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent shooting and killing of five persons in Beliatta.
The suspects have been arrested in the Hungama area in Matara for allegedly providing the weapons and cash dealings over the incident, police said.
The Police yesterday arrested two women from the Rathgama area were taken into custody for allegedly aiding and abetting the individuals involved in the fatal shooting. The women, aged 23 and 33 and residents of Boossa, were detained following a coordinated effort by officers from the Hakmana Police Station.
Investigations have revealed that following the crime, the two firearms used in the shooting were transported from Karapitiya to Boossa via a motorcycle owned by one of the suspects.
The shooting occurred on Jan. 23, when a group of individuals traveling in an SUV opened fire at a white Defender near the Beliatta Interchange of the Southern Expressway between 8:30 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. Four individuals lost their lives at the scene, while another victim succumbed to critical gunshot wounds shortly after being rushed to the Tangalle Hospital.
Among the deceased was Saman Perera, the leader of the "Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya" (Our Power of People Party or OPPP). The other victims were identified as Sameera Madhusanka, Hasitha Chinsuka, Buddhika Rajapaksha, and Nalin Champika.
