More details revealed on Gampaha and Ja-Ela shootings that injured 2

More details revealed on Gampaha and Ja-Ela shootings that injured 2

August 7, 2024   02:12 pm

Police stated that two persons were injured and hospitalized following separate shooting incidents, which are suspected to be linked, that occurred in the Makewita area of Ja-Ela and the Thammita area of Gampaha last night (06).

Police suspect that the same gunmen had been involved in both shootings.

The incident occurred in the Makewita area of Ja-Ela at around 07. 40pm last night when two assailants, who had arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at a person who was also riding a motorcycle, before fleeing the scene.

The victim, identified as 43-year-old Ranga Jayanath also known as K.J. Jayanath, was later admitted to the Gampaha, District General Hospital.

Police further stated that he is a painter by profession and was reportedly involved in drug-related activities including dealing in ‘ice’ drugs, also known as crystal methamphetamine as well as cannabis.

Meanwhile, it has been uncovered that the arrested suspect is a close associate of notorious underworld figure and drug kingpin Dinesh Wasantha, who is in hiding in Dubai, while it is suspected that the shooting had been carried in retaliation out over incidents where the victim had tipped-off the police on other drug dealers.

Meanwhile, less than 30 minutes after the Ja-Ela shooting, a second shooting was reported in the Thammita area in Gampaha, approximately 4 km away from the first shooting.

The two gunmen who had arrived on a motorcycle had also targeted a person who was riding a motorcycle, said the police.

A 29-year-old resident of the Kadawatha area identified as Chamila Ayantha was injured in the incident.

Police stated that the victim is an ‘ice’ addict and that the motive behind the shooting has not been uncovered as of yet.

Police suspect that the same gunmen responsible for the first shooting might also be involved in the second incident.

Both shooting incidents are being investigated by multiple police teams, including the Police Special Task Force (STF), according to the Police Spokesman’s Office.

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

LG Election scheduled for early next year - Vijitha Herath (English)

LG Election scheduled for early next year - Vijitha Herath (English)

IMF approves third review of Sri Lanka's bailout; to release $333 million as fourth tranche (English)

SJB is not a consumer product available for sale - Sajith Premadasa (English)

SriLankan Airlines honored with 2025 APEX Best Entertainment Award (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

President Dissanayake assumes duties as Minister of Defence (English)

Pilleyan arrives at CID again to record statement (English)

MP Dilith Jayaweera calls on Malwathu Mahanayake Thero (English)