Three suspects, including the alleged gunman, have been arrested in connection with a shooting targeting passengers travelling in a three-wheeler in the Kappalthurai area of Uppuvelli.
The shooting took place on the night of 2 November, when an unidentified gunman opened fire on two men travelling in the rear of a hired three-wheeler heading towards the Kappalthurai Junction.
One person was killed in the shooting, while the other sustained injuries. The gunman fled the scene following the attack.
Uppuvelli Police and officers from the Special Task Force (STF) camp in Matara launched investigations into the incident.
Acting on information received, STF officers arrested the alleged gunman in the Dikwella area on the night of 6 November.
He was arrested on suspicion of committing murder and attempting to commit murder and was handed over to Uppuvelli Police for further investigations.
Meanwhile, the second and third suspects had been arrested on 2 November while in possession of 32 grams and 800 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine (Ice).
Further investigations conducted after obtaining detention orders revealed that the two suspects were also allegedly involved in the murder.
The arrested suspects are aged 24, 28 and 34 and are residents of Dikwella and Trincomalee, police said.
Investigations have also revealed that the alleged gunman had previously served in the Sri Lanka Army before leaving the service legally.
Uppuvelli Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)
