Kottahena Shooting: Suspects Arrested in Jaffna

10-Nov-2025

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One person was killed in a shooting incident that occurred around 8.30 p.m. on 07 November 2025 in the Kottahena area of Colombo. The injured man, who sustained severe gunshot wounds, died after being admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo.

A woman and another individual connected to the shooting were arrested in Manipay, Jaffna, on November 7 by the Manipay Police. Police have commenced further investigations. They suspect the incident may be linked to clashes between underworld groups. The deceased, aged 43, was a resident of Kottahena.

Initial investigations reveal that a pistol had been used in the shooting. The victim had previously been closely associated with Balachandran Pushparaj, alias “Pookkudu Kanna,” a key underworld figure involved in narcotics trafficking and shootings.

Although the deceased had severed ties with Pookkudu Kanna, the shooting is believed to be connected to a long-standing conflict between the factions of Pookkudu Kanna and Palani Rimoshan.

CCTV footage shows the victim walking while checking his mobile phone when a person approached from behind and shot him. The footage also shows a vehicle passing in the same direction. Police suspect that the shooters may have been travelling in that vehicle.

Six special police teams have been deployed for further investigation. This year alone, 103 shooting incidents have been reported, with 54 fatalities and 56 injuries.