Ten special police teams investigate fatal shooting of lawyer and wife

16-Feb-2026

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Ten special police teams have been deployed to investigate the shooting death of attorney Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife in Akkuregoda, Talangama.

The couple were shot dead around 4:50 p.m. on 13 February while inside their vehicle near a supermarket. Police believe two suspects carried out the attack from another vehicle.

Investigators suspect the gunmen fled in a car bearing registration EP KI-7738 and have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying it.

Preliminary findings indicate a T-56 assault rifle and a pistol were used. The bodies were sent to the Colombo National Hospital morgue for post-mortem examinations.

Police believe the attack may be linked to the lawyer’s work representing individuals allegedly connected to organized crime. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka condemned the killings and stressed that lawyers have a constitutional right to represent any accused or suspect.

Police said the suspects fled via Rohamagama, Pubudu Mawatha, Athurugiriya, Kottawa and Makumbura. Motorists who travelled these routes have been asked to check dashcam footage and provide information confidentially.