Underworld strikes again one killed, four injured in Borella shooting

• Investigations are continuing with the support of CCTV footage
• Police says the motorcycle used in the shooting has been traced, and one suspect has been identified

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

In yet another violent incident signalling the growing threat of organised crime in Sri Lanka, one youth was killed and four others injured in a shocking shooting at the Sahaspura housing complex in Borella on Thursday night.   

The shooting, believed to be linked to underworld gang rivalry, raises questions about public safety despite ongoing efforts to uphold law and order.  

Two unidentified assailants on a scooter opened fire on a group of individuals using a T-56 assault rifle, discharging approximately 26 rounds.  

The victims were rushed to the National Hospital in Colombo, where one youth, identified as Suresh Madushan, alias ‘Pakadaya’, a 23-year-old resident of Kelaniya succumbed to injuries.  

Police suspect that the deceased was an associate of the notorious drug gang led by ‘Kudu Chathu’ and had recently been released from remand custody on drug-related charges.  

They suspect the attack was carried out by members of a rival gang led by ‘Kudu Duminda’.  

The injured individuals, aged between 21 and 23, are identified as residents of the Sirisara Uyana area in Borella. Hospital sources said that two of the injured are in critical condition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had gathered at the location to organise a cricket match scheduled for Friday at the Sirisara Uyana Stadium. The brother of ‘Kudu Chathu’, who is believed to be hiding overseas, had also reportedly been present at the gathering.  

Police said the motorcycle used in the shooting has been traced, and one suspect involved in the incident has been identified. Investigations are continuing with the support of CCTV footage, led by the Borella Police and the Colombo South Criminal Investigation Bureau. The shooting took place just hours after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed Parliament, pledging to restore the rule of law and dismantle the criminal underworld.  

“We know that the underworld, narcotics trade, and organised crime are all interconnected, and we are confronting them head-on,” the President said.  

The President said that the government had laid out plans to rebuild the nation to uplift the economy.  

“If any group, from anywhere, whether underworld elements or defeated faction, attempts to engage in political conspiracies, we will not allow those plots to derail this journey toward rebuilding our nation,” the President said.  

So far in 2025, at least 77 shooting incidents have been reported across the country, resulting in over 40 deaths and 48 injuries, according to police statistics.