Beliatta mass shooting: another suspect arrested
February 5, 2024 08:01 am
Police have arrested another suspect in connection with the shooting and killing of five persons in the Beliatta area in Hambantota District.
The Police Media Division said the suspect was arrested in Habaraduwa yesterday (04) by officers of the Matara Division Children & Women Bureau, on charges of aiding and abetting in the murders.
The arrested suspect is a 28-year-old resident of Katudampe in Ratgama.
Beliattta Police are conducting further investigations.
Meanwhile this brings the total number of suspects arrested over the murders to 12 thus far.
The shooting took place on January 23 near the Beliatta interchange of the Southern Expressway.
A group of assailants in an SUV had opened fire at a white Defender, killing four persons at the scene. The fifth person who was inside the Defender was rushed to the Tangalle Hospital with critical gunshot wounds, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Among the deceased was the leader of “Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya” (Our Power of People Party or OPPP) Saman Perera. The other four victims were identified as Sameera Madhusanka, Hasitha Chinsuka, Buddhika Rajapaksha, and Nalin Champika.
The SUV used in the shooting was later found while parked near the Vidyaloka Pirivena in Galle.
