A total of 21 shooting incidents have been reported across the country so far this year, leaving 14 people dead and 12 others injured, according to the Police Media Division.
Police said two separate shootings occurred within a span of three hours yesterday (23) in Dematagoda and Wattala, resulting in one death and one injured.
The fatal shooting took place at around 9.30 p.m. yesterday at a child's birthday party in Palliyawatta, Wattala.
According to police, the intended target was alleged drug trafficker "Kudu Roshan". However, investigators believe the gunman mistakenly shot another man who was dressed similarly to the intended target after failing to distinguish between the two.
Police said ‘Kudu Roshan’ had reportedly stepped away to smoke a cigarette when the assailant arrived.
The injured victim succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
The deceased has been identified as Sumedha, also known as "Wanathe Sumedha", a resident of Wanathamulla, Borella.
Police said Kudu Roshan had attended the third birthday celebration of his brother's daughter earlier that evening, accompanied by the deceased.
Investigators believe the gunman blended in with the guests by dancing at the event before opening fire.
The vehicle used by the suspects was later found abandoned in Ja-Ela on the same night.
Police suspect that the shooting was orchestrated by an individual known as "Mattakkuliya Manoj".
Meanwhile, four suspects, including two women, have been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the gunmen.
Further investigations are being conducted by five police teams under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western North) Kalinga Jayasinghe and Senior Superintendent of Police (Kelaniya Division) Nuwan Asanka.
Meanwhile, another shooting was reported at around 6.35 p.m. yesterday in Kuppiyawatta, Dematagoda.
CCTV footage captured two assailants arriving on a motorcycle and opening fire on the victim. The footage also shows the gunmen chasing the victim and continuing to shoot as he attempted to flee before escaping the scene.
The injured man was identified as Dinodh Varuna Bandara, a resident of Wanathamulla, Borella. He was admitted to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka with gunshot injuries to the chest.
Police said the victim had previously been remanded over allegations of supplying the firearm used in a shooting in Borella in July last year and was currently out on bail.
Investigators further stated that he is a close associate of the underworld figure known as "Wanathe Duminda", who is currently in police custody.
Police suspect that the Dematagoda shooting was orchestrated by a rival criminal group led by an individual known as "Wanathe Chathu".
As per the recent shootings, police have deployed heightened security for the Devinuwara Devalaya Perahera.
According to police, around 600 police officers, along with personnel from the Police Special Task Force (STF), have been deployed to ensure the security of the annual religious procession.
