Rs. 200,000 paid to shoot Dehiwala Cemetery guard; Gunman arrested

Colombo, July 27 (Daily Mirror) - Police have arrested the alleged gunman involved in the shooting of a security guard at the Nisala Sewana public cemetery in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for the Colombo District, Nishantha de Zoysa, said today (27).

The shooting took place on July 19 when two men arrived on a scooter-type motorcycle and opened fire on the cemetery guard before fleeing the scene. The attackers allegedly used a 9mm firearm.

The victim, a 56-year-old resident of the Dehiwala Fishermen's Housing area, sustained gunshot injuries to his left arm and chest and was admitted to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Police had earlier arrested the motorcycle rider in the Delkanda area on July 26. During the arrest, officers recovered 7 grams and 200 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine ("Ice") from the 25-year-old suspect.

According to police, investigations revealed that the shooting had been carried out on the instructions of an organized criminal believed to be hiding overseas. The suspects had allegedly been promised Rs. 200,000 to carry out the attack.

Police also recovered Rs. 55,000, believed to be part of the payment for the shooting, along with three mobile phones allegedly used by the suspect during the operation.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.