A shooting at a house near the Dewundara Devalaya in Matara is suspected to have been connected to a dispute between two organised criminal figures over the annual Dewundara Devalaya Perahera, police sources said.

 Investigating officers suspect that the shooting was carried out by a group linked to an underworld figure known as "Dehi Bale Malli".

The shooting follows alleged death threats issued on July 20 against the Basnayake Nilame of the Dewundara Devalaya, Thilina Madhusanka, over a decision to reduce the number of ‘Kavadi dance’ groups participating in the annual procession.

The threats were reportedly made using the alias “KPI”, a name associated with underworld figure Kanjipani Imran.

Following the threats, an audio recording allegedly containing death threats made by “Dehi Bale Malli” against Kanjipani Imran was circulated on social media. A second audio recording was later released.

An unidentified gunman who arrived in a car opened fire at a house located approximately 200 metres from the Dewundara Devalaya last night.

The shooting was captured on a nearby CCTV camera. Following the incident, another audio recording allegedly released in the name of “Dehi Bale Malli” was circulated on social media.

Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.