The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of an Attorney-at-Law and his wife in Akuregoda today.
In a statement issued, the BASL described the incident as a tragic assassination carried out by a group of unidentified assailants. One of the victims has been identified as Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawarachchi, who had been primarily engaged in legal practice at the Colombo High Court.
The couple was shot while inside their vehicle at the car park of a supermarket in the Akuregoda area, police said. Both victims died at the scene. Investigators suspect that a T56 firearm was used in the attack.
Police sources said investigators are examining several possible motives. Mallawarachchi had reportedly represented a number of individuals linked to organized crime in past cases, and authorities are looking into whether his professional engagements may have had any connection to the shooting. Police stressed that investigations are ongoing and no conclusions have been reached.
The BASL stated that while the circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be fully investigated, attacks of such nature pose a grave threat to the Rule of Law.
The Association urged the Police to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought before the law without delay.
It also called on law enforcement authorities to take concrete and positive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Thalangama Police are continuing investigations to determine the motive behind the shooting and to identify those responsible. (Newswire)
