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Police investigations have revealed a possible link between the recent murders on Benedict Road, Kotahena, and Galpottha Junction, suspected to be part of an ongoing gang war between rival factions known as Selvi's Group and Pukudukanna's Group.
On February 21st, a gunman armed with a T-56 assault rifle entered a mobile phone store at Galpottha Junction and fatally shot Sivalingam Sashi Kumar, a 36-year-old resident of Kotahena. The attackers fled on a motorcycle but were pursued by two Kotahena police officers, leading to their arrest in Grandpass, Orugodawatta. A T-56 rifle was seized from them.
On February 21st, a gunman armed with a T-56 assault rifle entered a mobile phone store at Galpottha Junction and fatally shot Sivalingam Sashi Kumar, a 36-year-old resident of Kotahena. The attackers fled on a motorcycle but were pursued by two Kotahena police officers, leading to their arrest in Grandpass, Orugodawatta. A T-56 rifle was seized from them.
Further Investigations Uncover Hidden Weapons
During interrogation, the suspects disclosed that more weapons were hidden on Crow Island, Mattakkuliya. On February 22nd, a police team, including the Kotahena OIC (Officer in Charge), escorted the suspects to the location. However, in an unexpected turn, one of the suspects grabbed the officer's firearm and attempted to open fire, prompting the police to retaliate, resulting in both suspects being shot dead.
Motive Behind the Murder
Further investigations suggested that the murder of Sashi Kumar was a contract killing ordered by a notorious criminal named Modara Nipuna. However, police intelligence later suggested that the killing was part of a larger gang war between Selvi's sons and Pukudukanna’s faction, which have been engaged in a series of violent clashes in Kotahena and Grandpass.
Arrests and International Connections
On February 23rd, another suspect linked to the shootings was arrested in Metsanda Sevana, Modara. Police found evidence that he had direct ties to an overseas drug lord who had been orchestrating crimes from abroad. It was further revealed that:
The shooter traveled from Galle to Colombo by train and stayed at the suspect’s house in Grandpass. The suspect later arranged weapons and logistics for the shooter, including a firearm and ammunition at his wife’s residence in Kosgas Junction.
The shooter traveled from Galle to Colombo by train and stayed at the suspect’s house in Grandpass. The suspect later arranged weapons and logistics for the shooter, including a firearm and ammunition at his wife’s residence in Kosgas Junction.
The shooter was then transported via a three-wheeler before carrying out the assassination.
A Larger Gang Conflict Unfolding
Police have confirmed that the T-56 rifle used in both the Benedict Road and Galpottha Junction murders was supplied by the same individual. This suggests that both shootings were part of an escalating power struggle between the two rival gangs.
Authorities continue to investigate the drug trade and organized crime networks behind these violent incidents, as they fear further retaliatory attacks could take place.
Authorities continue to investigate the drug trade and organized crime networks behind these violent incidents, as they fear further retaliatory attacks could take place.
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