An attempt to shoot an individual at his residence in Mount Lavinia was unsuccessful after the suspected firearm failed to discharge, police stated.

The incident took place at around 10.30 p.m. yesterday (21) at a house on Templers Road, where the victim was watching television on the upper floor of his home.

According to police, two unidentified men approached the victim, asked whether he was "Chaminda," and attempted to shoot him with what is believed to have been a pistol. However, the firearm reportedly malfunctioned and did not discharge.

During the confrontation, the victim kicked one of the suspects before being struck on the head with a nearby chair by the other assailant, sustaining minor injuries.

He later escaped and sought shelter at the residence of a nearby acquaintance. Police said the suspects also went to that house, knocked on the door and fled the area shortly afterwards.

The motive behind the attempted shooting has not yet been uncovered thus far. Police identified the victim as an air-conditioning repair technician and said he has no previous criminal record.

Investigators have, however, established that the victim’s son had previously been arrested by Mount Lavinia Police on allegations of transporting cannabis in January 2024 and aiding and abetting a homicide in May 2025.

Mount Lavinia Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.