A group of armed men opened fire on a house in Yahuwatta, Midigama late on Friday night and set a parked vehicle alight, police said. No one inside the residence was injured.
The attack took place around 11:45 p.m. on April 18 in the Gangoda area of Midigama. Police said two unidentified suspects arrived on a motorcycle, opened the gate, ignited a vehicle parked in front of the house and then fired roughly five shots at the residence before fleeing. A T-56 assault rifle was used in the shooting.
Investigators recovered 12 live rounds of ammunition and five spent shell casings at the scene.
The owner of the home, described as a 35-year-old businessman who operates a fitness centre in Weligama, was inside with his wife, two children and another adult at the time of the attack. Several parts of the house were struck by gunfire.
Police suspect the shooting is linked to an underworld group known locally as the “Midigama Lansi” gang, allegedly over a dispute involving the homeowner. Investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend the attackers.
The incident follows a string of similar T-56 attacks on residences in the Southern coastal belt in recent weeks. Police arrested a suspect in a shooting attempt in Ahungalla tied to ongoing gang rivalries. The Inspector General of Police has said plans are underway to pursue suspects who have fled overseas.
