Underworld gangster’s accomplice killed in shoot-out

• Sampath opened fire when he attempted to flee through the Waturugama Road after shooting at the police

By Tilakaratne Disananayake and Upali Ranaweera   

A 25-year-old accomplice of  underworld gangster Ganemulle Sanjeewa was killed in a police shooting early yesterday at Kottmulwatta in the Malwatuhiripitiya police area.   

Police said they laid in ambush following a tip off at Miriswatta Junction on the Colombo - Kandy Road around 5.50 am yesterday to arrest the suspect Ketawalapitiya Sampath and opened fire when he attempted to flee through the Waturugama Road after shooting at the police.   

The suspect who received serious gunshot injuries in the exchange of fire had died on admission to the Malwatuhiripitiya Hospital.   

During investigations police recovered the deceased’s motorcycle and a 0.38mm revolver from the scene of the incident.