Sri Lankan police have arrested four individuals, including two women, on suspicion of assisting those involved in the fatal shooting that occurred in the Palliyawatta, Kadirana area of Wattala.
Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said the suspects are expected to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court, where investigators will seek detention orders to facilitate further questioning.
Authorities have also deployed five police investigation teams to conduct extensive inquiries into the shooting and identify all individuals connected to the incident.
The fatal shooting took place on Thursday night when an armed assailant entered a reception hall in Palliyawatta, Wattala, where a private gathering was being held. A 39-year-old man was killed after being struck by gunfire during the attack.
According to the preliminary police investigation, the gunman is believed to have intended to target an individual known as "Kudu Roshan" from Mattakkuliya, who is alleged by police to be involved in drug trafficking. However, investigators believe the intended target was missed, and the victim standing nearby was fatally shot instead.
Police emphasized that investigations are continuing to identify the shooter, establish the motive behind the attack, and determine whether additional suspects were involved in planning or facilitating the incident.
Further legal action is expected as the investigation progresses.
