Police identify main suspect in Kataragama Temple shooting

By Skandha Gunasekara

The main suspect in the Kataragama Kiriwehera Rajamaha Temple shooting has been identified as the former custodian (Kapurala) of the Mahasen Dewale Asela Lakshman Bandara, the Police informed the Daily FT.

Police spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara told the Daily FT that while the main suspect had been identified, the Police had been unable to apprehend him. 

“The Kapurala has fled the area. We are currently carrying out a search to apprehend him,” SP Gunasekara said, adding that no suspects have been arrested so far. 

He went on to say that IGP Pujith Jayasundara had ordered eight investigation teams to be deployed for the incident. 

Furthermore, Police and Special Task Force teams had searched the house of the main suspect and found several weapons. “We were able to recover one sword, two daggers and 10 live shotgun ammunition.”

The Chief Incumbent of the Kiriwehera Temple, Ven. Kobawaka Damminda Thero, had been airlifted to the Colombo National Hospital, the Police Spokesperson said. 

The shooting had occurred around 11.00 pm last night, within the temple premises. Three suspects had arrived in an SUV and shot two monks, including the Chief Incumbent.