T56 rifle used in Soysapura shooting recovered

Police have recovered a T-56 assault rifle believed to have been used in the shooting at a hotel in Soysapura, Ratmalana.

According to Ada Derana reporter, the firearm and ammunition were found in Suwarapola, Piliyandala.

A restaurant in Soysapura first came under an attack by an unidentified group of persons wielding swords during curfew hours on May 19.

Three police officers were subsequently stationed at the restaurant to ensure its security and safety.

However, on the night of May 28, a group of persons had carried out an attack again. This time they had opened fire at the restaurant while the three police officers were on duty.

The owner of the restaurant had stated that he had been receiving continuous death threats from a person in Dubai, who had been trying to extort money from him.

Subsequently, 03 police officers – one sergeant and two constables – who were on duty at the restaurant when it came under a gunfire attack, were interdicted over charges of neglect of duty.

Investigations into the incident are being carried out under the directives of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of Mount Lavinia Division.

Four other suspects are already in the custody of police over the sword attack on the restaurant on May 19.

On May 30, an underworld figure named ‘Konda Janiya’ was arrested in connection to the incident at Eluwila, Panadura.

On June 02, an underworld figure out on bail named ‘ Angulane Anju Rosa’ was also arrested in Akuressa, for having a hand in the shooting incident alongside ‘Konda Janiya’.

On June 03, on more suspect was arrested by the STF at the Ratmalana area.

The main suspect of the incident, an underworld figure connected to several murders, was shot dead in Minuwangoda on June 07 in a confrontation with the police.