Police have revealed significant details regarding the hand grenade attack on a residence in Dehiwala yesterday (11), which claimed the lives of two children and left their father seriously injured.

The hand grenade attack, carried out by an unidentified individual during the early hours of yesterday at a house on Sirisangabo Mawatha, Dehiwala, tragically claimed the lives of two children. Their father, who was admitted to hospital with severe injuries to his leg, subsequently underwent an amputation due to the extent of his injuries.

According to police, the attack was linked to a feud between two organized crime groups. The faction led by “Kudu Avishka” is believed to have carried out the attack in retaliation against a rival group associated with “Badowita Asanka.” However, investigations have revealed that the attackers had mistakenly targeted the wrong residence.

The victims were identified as 17-year-old Kasun Rashmika and his 11-year-old brother, Duminda Gihan. The two children had been raised solely by their father following the death of their mother. Their remains are scheduled to be taken to a relative’s residence tonight.

Investigations have revealed a growing trend of underworld gangs using hand grenades in conflicts between rival groups.

Police stated that extensive information had been uncovered during investigations conducted by three specialized police teams under the direct supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) in charge of the Western Province, Sanjeewa Medawatte.

The investigations further revealed that a consignment of hand grenades had recently been supplied to local criminal gangs alongside a shipment of narcotics smuggled into the country by sea.

Meanwhile today (12), the Organized Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested an individual in Kuliyapitiya. A foreign-manufactured live hand grenade and a firearm were also recovered from his possession.