Sri Lanka Police are continuing investigations into the shooting incident that occurred during a kid’s birthday party held at a function hall in the Palliyawatta area of Wattala last night (24).

According to the police, the shooting took place at around 9.30 p.m. yesterday (23) and is suspected to have been orchestrated by an individual known as ‘Mattakkuliye Manoj’.

Investigations have revealed that the attack was carried out allegedly targeting a suspected drug trafficker and murder accused known as "Mattakkuliye Kudu Roshan."

Police said that a birthday party for the three-year-old daughter of Kudu Roshan’s brother was being held at the venue at the time of the incident when the suspect had allegedly entered the venue, mingled with the guests by dancing to avoid suspicion, and later opened fire.

However, police suspect the shooter mistakenly fired at another individual who was wearing clothing similar to that of ‘Kudu Roshan’.

At the time of the shooting, ‘Kudu Roshan’ had reportedly stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, and CCTV footage from the venue captured him walking away from the area.

Police believe the assailant failed to distinguish between the two men and carried out the attack on the wrong individual.

The victim had reportedly attended the function along with ‘Kudu Roshan’, police said. 

He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital with gunshot injuries but later succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has been identified as ‘Wanathe Sumedha,’ a 29-year-old resident of Wanathamulla in Borella.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage has also captured the suspect fleeing the scene following the shooting.

During the searches carried out by the police, the car in which the shooter had arrived was found abandoned in the Ja-Ela area last night.

Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by five police teams under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Kelaniya Division.