Police have recovered a motorcycle suspected to have been used by gunmen in the fatal shooting of the mother of organized criminal ‘Bako Saman’. 

The vehicle was discovered abandoned in a tea estate near a culvert in the Dambahala Polwatta area along the Urubokka–Matara road, following information received by the Urubokka Police.

According to investigators, two unidentified men arrived at a house in Ulahitiya, Middeiniya, on Tuesday evening (12), opened fire, and fled the scene. 

The victim, mother of ‘Bako Saman,’ was rushed to the Middeiniya Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

Police suspect that a pistol‑type firearm was used in the attack. 

While the motive behind the killing remains unclear, authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Newswire)

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Unidentified persons opened fire at a residence in Nakulugama, Tangalle, last night. 

According to Police, the suspects fled the area after the shooting. 

No injuries or casualties were reported, and the Tangalle Police have launched further investigations. (Newswire)

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A 23‑year‑old suspect from Homagama has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder by shooting in Dehiwala earlier this month.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 in the Kadawatha Road area of the Dehiwala Police Division, where a gunman attempted to shoot and kill a man. 

Following investigations, the suspect, identified as the gunman, was apprehended last evening (09) in the Habarakada area of Athurugiriya by a team from the Jayawardanapura Police Special Task Force camp.

The suspect was handed over to the Dehiwala Police Station, which is conducting further investigations into the case. (Newswire)

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Borella Police have arrested two suspects, including a 23‑year‑old resident of Borella, in connection with an attempted shooting murder in Kuppiyawatta, Dematagoda.

Police said the main suspect was taken into custody during a raid in the Lake Drive area yesterday (05), where he was found in possession of 10.900 grams of ICE narcotics.

Investigations revealed that he had acted as the motorcycle rider in the July 23 incident in Kuppiyawatta, Dematagoda, where two unidentified men attempted to shoot and kill a person.

Alongside him, another 24‑year‑old Borella resident was also arrested on suspicion of involvement. 

The Borella Police said further inquiries are underway to determine his role in the crime. (Newswire)

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Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating a 39‑year‑old resident of Hikkaduwa wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a female cashier at a restaurant in Meetiyagoda on 17 November 2025.

According to the Police, investigations are being carried out by the Meetiyagoda Police Station, which confirmed that the gunman has been identified but is currently absconding. 

Authorities said the suspect is also wanted in connection with shootings in the Gandara and Ambalangoda police divisions, and several warrants have been issued against him in cases pending before the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court.

Police have requested anyone with information to contact the Police via 071‑8591481 (OIC/Meetiyagoda) or 091‑2260423 (Meetiyagoda Police Station). (Newswire)

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The Western Province South Crime Investigation Division has arrested a 48‑year‑old woman in connection with the attempted murder reported on July 21 in the Mount Lavinia Pansala Road area, where two unidentified men threatened residents with a firearm and tried to carry out a killing.

According to the Police, the firearm used in the crime had been supplied by an organized criminal currently hiding abroad and exchanged through the arrested suspect, a resident of Ratmalana.

At the time of arrest, police found 10.270 grams of ICE narcotics in her possession, along with Rs. 35,060 suspected to be payment for her role in the crime.

Further questioning led to the recovery of the motorcycle used in the attack, the clothes worn by the suspects on the day, and a mobile phone. 

Police noted that the motorcycle rider involved in the incident had already been arrested on July 26 and remains in remand custody while questioning continues.

The Police stated that the female suspect will be produced before the Magistrate’s Court to obtain a detention order, under which investigations will proceed. (Newswire)

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The Western Province North Crimes Division has arrested a 24‑year‑old man from Seeduwa, for allegedly assisting in a fatal shooting that took place during a birthday party in Wattala last week.

Investigations into the July 23 incident at Kadirana Palliayawatta began after a man was shot and killed during the celebration. 

Police say the suspect was taken into custody yesterday (29) after evidence revealed he had withdrawn money from his account to rent the vehicle used by the gunmen.

Further investigations into the incident being carried out by the Western Province North Crimes Division. (Newswire)

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A 25‑year‑old resident of Attidiya has been arrested in connection with two violent crimes, an attempted murder in Dehiwala and a firearm intimidation incident in Mount Lavinia, following a raid by the Western Province Southern Division Crimes Investigation Unit.

The Police said that on July 19, two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire at a cemetery in Dehiwala in an attempt to kill a man. In a separate incident in Mount Lavinia, a firearm was aimed to threaten and assault a victim. 

Investigations linked the motorcycle rider involved in both crimes to an organized criminal currently overseas.

Acting on intelligence, officers arrested the suspect last morning (26) in Delkanda, Mirihana Police division. He was found in possession of 7.200 grams of ICE narcotics. 

During questioning, Police recovered three mobile phones used in the crimes and Rs. 55,000 , part of Rs. 200,000 allegedly paid to him for the operations.

The Western Province Southern Division Crimes Investigation Unit is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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CCTV footage has been shared in the media of the shooting incident near the Kuppiyawatta cemetery in Dematagoda, in which one person was injured.

Two individuals had arrived on a motorcycle and had opened fire at two other individuals on another motorcycle.

One gunman is seen opening fire at the duo and chasing one victim along a main road in broad daylight.

The assailants are seen fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting.

The injured victim has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.

Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects. (Newswire)

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The Officer-in-Charge (Basnayake Nilame) of the Devinuwara Devalaya has reportedly received death threats over a decision to reduce the number of Kadi dance groups participating in the annual Esala Perahera.

According to information revealed in a television report, an audio recording containing threats against Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madhusanka circulated on social media after the decision.

The report states that another series of audio clips, allegedly involving underworld figures, also surfaced online, with individuals exchanging threats over the matter.

On Tuesday night, a gunman who arrived on a motorcycle reportedly opened fire at a house located about 200 metres from the Devinuwara Devalaya. CCTV footage is said to have captured the shooting.

Following the incident, another audio recording, purportedly from an underworld figure, circulated on social media claiming responsibility for the attack.

Police have launched investigations into the shooting, the alleged death threats, and the authenticity of the circulating audio recordings. (Newswire)

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An attempt to shoot a man at Temple’s Road in Mount Lavinia on Tuesday night was unsuccessful after the gunman’s firearm reportedly malfunctioned.

According to police, the suspect arrived at the scene on a motorcycle with an accomplice before entering the house and attempting to open fire after confirming the identity of the intended target.

When the firearm failed to discharge, the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene with the accomplice.

Police said the victim’s son had previously been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting a murder.

Investigators suspect the attempted shooting may have been carried out as part of an underworld rivalry involving criminal gangs associated with individuals known as “Kos Malli” and “Badovita Asanka.”

Police are analysing CCTV footage and conducting further investigations to identify and arrest the suspects. (Newswire)

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Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Koratota, Nawagamuwa, on July 16.

The arrests were made last evening (19) by officers of the Homagama Division Crimes Investigation Unit, following intelligence received during the probe. 

Police said the motorcycle rider involved in the killing and another suspect who assisted in the crime were taken into custody at Delgoda in the Biyagama Police Division and Wandurammulla in the Nawagamuwa Police Division. 

The motorcycle used in the murder was also seized. The suspects, aged 21 and 29, are residents of Ranala and Pallama.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Homagama Division Crimes Investigation Unit. (Newswire)

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Investigations have revealed that the suspect arrested following a shooting incident involving the Police in Katunayake had previously served in the Katunayake City Security Unit of the Civil Security Force between 2008 and 2010.

According to the Police, the 41‑year‑old resident of Divulapitiya was taken into custody by the Negombo Division Crime Investigation Unit in the Divulapitiya area, where he was found with 31 grams of ICE narcotics. 

Police also recovered the firearm snatched from a Police officer and the motorcycle the suspect had robbed during his escape, following a confrontation with a group of Police Officers yesterday (15). 

The incident began when traffic officers signaled a motorcycle to stop for inspection in Katunayake last afternoon. The rider ignored the signal, prompting a chase. At Dewamottawa, the rider and pillion abandoned the motorcycle and fled. 

One suspect was arrested, but during custody he assaulted a Police officer, snatched his firearm, and opened fire on another officer arriving from a nearby roadblock, injuring him. The suspect then threatened with the weapon, seized a passing motorcycle, and escaped.

Special police teams were deployed, leading to his eventual arrest. The officer injured by gunfire was admitted to Negombo Hospital, while the officer assaulted during the struggle was admitted to Minuwangoda Hospital.

Police state that investigations are continuing to apprehend the second suspect involved in the incident. (Newswire)

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A Police officer was injured in a shooting incident near a roadblock in the Dewamottawa area of Katunayake this afternoon, Police said.

According to Police, the shooting occurred during a raid conducted in the area today (15).

The suspect reportedly shot the officer with his firearm before fleeing the scene. 

The injured officer was rushed to hospital following the incident.

The Katunayake Police have launched an urgent investigation and operations to apprehend the suspect. (Newswire)

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A suspect linked to multiple crimes and identified as a close associate of an organized criminal has escaped police custody in Elpitiya after attacking an officer with a sharp weapon during a raid in the Kahaduwa area.

The Police said a team from the Elpitiya Police Station had gone to the location last night (30) to apprehend suspects when they attempted to assault officers, prompting police to fire shots into the air. Two suspects fled, with officers pursuing them.

During the attempted arrest, one suspect struck a police officer with a sharp weapon. Police then opened fire, injuring the suspect in the hand. 

He was handcuffed and taken into custody, but another group later arrived and forcibly took him away.

The suspect remains at large, while the injured police officer is receiving treatment at Elpitiya Hospital.

The Police stated that the suspect is wanted in connection with several serious offenses and investigations are underway to re‑arrest him. (Newswire)

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Two people opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines on Monday (Jun 22), killing three teenage students and wounding another seven, police officials said.

Two suspects have been taken into custody, police said, one of whom is a student at San Jose National High School, in the city of Tacloban in Leyte province, where the shooting happened, according to police. Both are male and were armed with pistols.

The two alleged shooters, aged 15 and 14, had fired “randomly” inside the school, police Lieutenant Evalyn Diaz told AFP of the incident, which took place at around 9am. 

One of the two guns used belonged to a police officer, an official said. 

“The 9mm Glock (pistol) belongs or was issued to a policewoman assigned in (the Eastern Visayas region),” said national police spokesman Allen Rae Co, who added the officer had been taken into custody and was now under investigation.

The other weapon, a .38 calibre pistol, was registered to a security agency in Cebu City, he said.

A video widely circulated by local media, verified by AFP, showed panicked children screaming and crying while hiding inside a classroom amid the sound of gunfire.

“We are hearing bullying was the motive behind their actions, but we have yet to ask them,” Diaz said of the ongoing questioning of the boys arrested in the shooting’s aftermath.

“We also have yet to establish the sequence of events,” she said then. “They are still in the police station undergoing questioning in the presence of their parents because they are minors.”

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting.

“The president is saddened by the incident,” his office said in a statement, adding that Marcos directed authorities to ensure safety and security in all areas, offices and establishments, especially schools. 

Tacloban police chief Noelito Getigan told reporters one suspect, a minor and Grade 9 student, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the other later surrendered to authorities.

There was no immediate update on the status of the wounded students.

“The victims were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment and appropriate medical intervention,” regional police said earlier.

The Philippine Department of Education issued a statement calling it a “high-alert situation”.

“Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are active on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises,” it said.

The government-run school has more than 1,500 students. 

“We urge the public to remain calm, refrain from disseminating unverified information and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may aid the ongoing investigation,” the national police said in a statement.

Crimes involving the use of firearms are prevalent in the Philippines, partly due to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms, but school shootings are relatively rare.

In July 2022, a gunman opened fire at an Ateneo de Manila University law school graduation ceremony in Quezon City, killing three people, including former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay. (CNA)

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The Kalutara District Crime Division has arrested a 36‑year‑old Hambantota resident believed to have aided and abetted the fatal shooting of a businessman in the Kalil area of Wettuwakade, Kalutara South, on May 28. 

According to the Police, the suspect was taken into custody in Walagedara, within the Welipenna Police Division, last morning (07) and later handed over to the Kalutara South Police.

Investigations revealed that multiple warrants had been issued against the suspect by the Magistrate’s Courts of Matugama, Kalutara, Tissamaharama, Walasmulla, and Morawaka.

Earlier, three suspects and the driver of the vehicle allegedly used in the crime were arrested for assisting and facilitating the murder. They were remanded until June 15 after being produced before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court.

The alleged gunman was apprehended on June 3 and is currently being interrogated under a seven‑day detention order. 

Both the suspected shooter and the suspect arrested yesterday are scheduled to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court today (08).

The Kalutara South Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Police have seized a personal firearm after it was discharged into the air during a brawl in the Mudunkotuwa area in Kiriella on Tuesday (02).

According to the Police, an argument broke out between two parties following a roadblock in a bylane. 

During the dispute, one individual fired into the air using a licensed personal firearm issued by the Police.

A brawl then ensued, with the opposing party seizing the weapon from its owner and fleeing the area.

The firearm has since been recovered and taken into Police custody. Investigations into the incident are continuing. (Newswire)

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Police have arrested the main suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a businessman near the Wettumakada Muslim Mosque in Kalutara South on May 28.

The Walana Anti‑Vice Strike Unit apprehended the suspect, identified as 35‑year‑old Imran, who was found in possession of ICE narcotics at the time of arrest.

According to the Police, the victim was travelling on a scooter when gunmen in a motor vehicle blocked his path and opened fire using a T‑56 assault rifle, discharging four rounds. 

The attack occurred around 8.45 am as the victim was returning from the mosque after attending the Hajj festival prayers.

The injured man was rushed to Kalutara Nagoda Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He was a 38‑year‑old resident of Marikkar Street, Kalutara South, and was known to supply cattle to slaughterhouses.

Investigations are continuing under the supervision of the Walana Anti‑Vice Strike Unit. (Newswire)

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CCTV footage of the fatal shooting of a businessman in Kalutara South has been released to the media, showing gunmen in a car opening fire at the victim as he travelled on a motorcycle in the Wettumakada area.

The deceased has been identified as a 38‑year‑old resident of Kalutara South.

Meanwhile, police have recovered a van suspected to have been used by the gunmen prior to the attack. 

The white van was found abandoned in the Dodangoda area along the Kalutara–Matugama road at midday. 

Police believe the suspects arrived in the van and later switched to a car before carrying out the shooting.

Police later discovered the car, believed to have been used in the attack, abandoned near the Tebuwana Naebada Post Office.

Three police teams under the Kalutara South Police have launched investigations to track down the suspects. (Newswire)

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