‘Kosgoda Tharaka’ killed in police shooting

• Four T-56 assault rifles, four magazines and 58 bullets were found hidden in a cemetery in Kosgoda by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Pushpakumara Mallawaaracchi 

Notorious organised criminal Dharmakeerthi Tharaka Perera Wijesekera alias ‘Kosgoda Tharaka’, who was in police custody, died after a shooting incident involving the police during an operation. 

According to the police, four T-56 assault rifles, four magazines and 58 bullets were found hidden in a cemetery in Kosgoda by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division on Wednesday night.

Following further questioning, it was revealed that another sniper rifle was hidden in a jungle in Mirigama. 
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the Western Province (North) Crimes Division had taken Kosgoda Tharaka to Rendapola area in Mirigama yesterday morning (13) to conduct a special operation.  34-year-old Tharaka was admitted to Mirigama Hospital with gunshot injuries he sustained during the shooting incident.  The spokesman said a Chief Inspector of Police was also injured during the incident and admitted to the Wathupitiwala Hospital.  DIG Rohana said Tharaka was wanted in connection with seven murders and 21 robberies that took place in Kosgoda, Matara, Moratuwa and in the Kottawa police areas. 

Kosgoda Tharaka was the main suspect in the robbery of a jewellery shop in Matara in 2018, where a police officer was shot dead.  Meanwhile, the police media spokesman said a special investigation into the death of Tharaka is to be launched by the DIG of the Western Province (North).   A few days ago, another criminal known as Mambulage Dineth Melan Mabula alias “Uru Juwa” wanted over several murders and extortion was also shot dead by police during a shooting incident at Nawagamuwa.