Police say a shooting that killed a 20‑year‑old youth in the Korathota Menikagara area of Nawagamuwa yesterday (01 Jan), had targeted associates of the underworld figure known as “Kudu Duminda” of Borella.
According to Ada Derana, Police investigations reveal that it is suspected that the shooting was carried out by members of the rival faction linked to “Kudu Chathu.”
A 20‑year‑old youth was killed, and two others who were with him were injured in the shooting that had taken place at a rented house in the Korathota Menikagara area between 9.30 and 10.00 pm last night.
Three people were inside the house at the time. One was killed instantly, while the other two are receiving treatment at Homagama Base Hospital.
Police said two gunmen had entered the house after cutting through a fence and used a pistol in the attack.
The deceased was identified as a 20‑year‑old resident of Borella, while the injured are residents of Ambalantota and Dematagoda.
Police revealed that the slain youth had, on November 14, 2025, along with another person, severed the hand of a woman in Borella’s Sarana Mawatha area.
The woman was a close associate of “Kudu Chathu,” and under his instructions, the gunman and motorcyclist involved in a June 24 shooting in Borella’s Dump Watta area had come from her house.
During that incident, the intended target escaped, and later the same youth killed last night, together with another, attacked the woman by cutting off her hand.
Both were close associates of “Kudu Duminda,” the rival of “Kudu Chathu”, Police investigations have revealed.
The Police said operations were launched to arrest the two suspects, but they have not yet been located.
However, based on information received about a youth linked to “Kudu Chathu’s” faction, this killing was carried out. One of the injured is reportedly a relative of the man who survived the June shooting.
This incident is notable as the first shooting reported in the country for the year 2026. (Newswire)