A 43-year-old man was shot dead at Dickson Junction in the Dangedera area of Galle on Tuesday morning (12), in what police suspect may have been a business-related killing.
According to police, the victim was a resident of Ahangama known to operate businesses and offer loans on interest. He was leaving a rented house in Galle where he had been staying when he was attacked. Gunmen who arrived in a red-coloured motor car opened fire, NewsFirst reported.
The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds, Newswire said.
Five police teams have been deployed to track down the suspects. Police suspect the shooting may have been linked to a business dispute.
Update (May 24): The Galle Divisional Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested a 22-year-old resident of Thalpe, Habaraduwa on Saturday (23) on charges of aiding and abetting the shooting, Ada Derana reported. The suspect is not believed to be the gunman; investigations continue.
The killing is the latest in a string of targeted shootings in the Southern Province this year. Galle was previously in the news on May 3, when a suspect was shot dead at the prison gate in an escape attempt.
Sources: NewsFirst · Newswire · Ada Derana (May 24 arrest).
