Four suspects in Devinuwara double murder detained for questioning

Monday, 24 March 2025 03:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered that the four individuals arrested in connection with the Devinuwara shooting incident be detained for questioning till 29 March.

Among the arrested suspects is a woman, with all four currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the double murder. The Court granted permission for their continued detention when they were presented before the Acting Magistrate of Matara.

The shooting, which took place on 21 March, occurred on Sinhasana Road, near the southern entrance of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya. Two individuals, Pasindu Tharaka (29) and Yomesh Nadeeshan, were shot dead in what Police believe was a targeted attack. Investigations have revealed that the prime suspect behind the killings is notorious criminal Shehan Sathsara, also known as ‘Bale Malli.’ Police suspect that the murders were linked to an ongoing dispute between the victims and Bale Malli, who is reportedly hiding in Dubai.

According to reports, Tharaka and Nadeeshan were returning home from a birthday party in Kapugampura when a van carrying a group of attackers deliberately rammed into their motorcycle before opening fire with a T-56 rifle and a pistol. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack, leaving both victims dead on the spot.

At the crime scene, police recovered 39 T-56 bullet casings and two 9mm bullet casings, confirming the use of high-powered firearms in the attack. The van used in the ambush was later found 800 metres away, abandoned and set on fire, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.