The underlying story of the broker murdered in Galle

Police confirm that a businessman was shot and killed in the Dangepedara area of Galle. The businessman, who was involved in a money lending business and a vehicle sales business, was targeted and died from the gunshot wounds. The incident occurred yesterday (12th) morning around 7:30 AM near Dickman Junction in Dangepedara.

According to preliminary investigations, police suspect that a dispute over money lending may have led to the murder. Extensive investigations are also underway to determine whether this was a planned, contract killing carried out by a party for other personal reasons.

The victim has been identified as 44-year-old businessman Punchi Hewage Prasad, a permanent resident of the Ahangama area. About six months ago, he had rented a house in the Dickman area of Dangepedara and moved there with his wife and children to facilitate their education. It is reported that the shooting occurred yesterday morning when he returned to his house after dropping his two children off at school in his car.

As Mr. Prasad attempted to exit his vehicle, one of two individuals who arrived in a car continuously fired a pistol-type firearm at him. Police state that his wife was also inside the car at the time of the shooting but sustained no injuries. Although he was immediately admitted to the Galle National Hospital in the same car after sustaining serious injuries from the gunshot, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

It has been revealed that the deceased had previously informed the police about threats to his life. He had also filed a complaint with the police stating that a group of people in a car were monitoring his movements. At that time, when the police questioned him about suspects, he stated that he did not suspect anyone. Police investigations have revealed that after receiving this information, he temporarily moved away from his rented house and returned to the same rented house a few weeks ago.

The car used by the perpetrators was found abandoned by the police in the Dadalla area, and police fingerprint experts are conducting further investigations. Four special police teams have been appointed to investigate this murder under the instructions of Senior Deputy Inspector General Mahesh Senaratne, who is overseeing operations in the Southern Province. Police intelligence units have also been deployed to apprehend the killers, but no suspects have been arrested yet.