Notorious underworld gangster ‘Palankada Heen malli’,alleged to have been responsible for several killings including that of a Ratnapura gem businessman, last month was shot dead in a police shootout today.

Ratnapura Police said Sugath Chaminda alias Palankada Heen malli was arrested in connection with the killing of gem merchant Sumith Gunasekara of Malangama and the robbery of cash, gems and jewellery from his house on February 13.

They said the suspect was shot in self-defense when he attempted to hurl a hand grenade at the police who accompanied him to his hideout at Mahawalawatta.

He had taken them there to surrender the weapon he is said to have used in carrying out several of his criminal activities. The suspect died on admission to the Ratnapura General Hospital. (Ajithlal Shantha Udaya)