Trader Killed in Shooting by Unidentified Gunmen

29-May-2026

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A 43-year-old trader was shot dead by unidentified gunmen who arrived in a car in the Vettuvagoda area of Kalutara South.

Police Media Spokesman and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler stated that three special police teams have been deployed under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Kalutara to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.

Police also recovered a car and a van believed to be linked to the shooting incident after they had been abandoned at separate locations on the same day.

The shooting took place on 27 May on Mosque Road in Vettuvagoda, Kalutara South. The deceased was identified as a 43-year-old livestock distribution trader from Marikkar Road, Kalutara South. He had reportedly been returning home on his motorcycle after attending prayers at a mosque in connection with the Haj festival when the attack occurred.

According to police investigations, the suspects arrived in a car, intercepted the victim’s motorcycle, and opened fire four times using a T-56 assault rifle while remaining inside the vehicle. CCTV footage from nearby cameras reportedly captured the incident.

The victim, who sustained critical injuries in the shooting, later succumbed after being admitted to Nagoda Hospital in Kalutara.

Police later recovered the getaway car abandoned near the Neboda Post Office in Thebuwana. During subsequent investigations, officers also discovered a white van abandoned in the Thotagoda area along the Kalutara-Matugama Road. Investigators suspect the gunmen may have first arrived in the van before switching to the car used in the attack.

Further investigations are being carried out by three special police teams, including officers attached to the Kalutara South Police.