Police have arrested a 32-year-old individual who was allegedly planning to assassinate a businessman residing in Anguruwathota, along with a T-56 assault rifle, a magazine and 16 rounds of ammunition.

According to police, the suspect was allegedly acting on the instructions of underworld figure “Welle Saranga”, who is believed to be hiding overseas.

Police launched an investigation after receiving information that a resident of Anguruwathota was planning to kill the businessman.

Following several days of round-the-clock surveillance and operations, investigators arrested the suspect at his residence.

During questioning, officers discovered a T-56 assault rifle, a magazine and 16 rounds of ammunition buried near the suspect’s house.

Investigations have reportedly revealed that the alleged assassination plot stemmed from a dispute over scrap materials from the businessman’s factory. The businessman had allegedly refused to supply the materials to Welle Saranga’s group, prompting the group to plan the killing.

Police further stated that the recovered firearm had allegedly been used in several criminal activities in Kalutara over an extended period. Investigators have also received information suggesting that the weapon had been used by the group linked to organised criminal figure Lalith Kannangara, also known as “Bus Laliya.”

The suspect is expected to be detained for further questioning as investigations continue, police said.