News
Marawila shooting death due to political rivalry: Police
The victim: Susantha Kurukulasuriya
The death of a businessman in Marawila, at an old boys’ function of a leading school in the area, was due to political rivalry between two parties, police said.
The businessman shot dead at a reception hall in Marawila was Susantha Kurukulasuriya, 39, a father of two, who was planning to contest the upcoming local elections from the SLFP faction backing former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Old Boys’ Association of Dhammissara Maha Vidyalaya, Nattandiya, had organised a dinner and musical show for their bi-annual get-together.
According to eyewitnesses, during the musical show the singer started a song about a defeated politician, when two groups supporting Mr Kurukulasuriya and one of the suspects taken into custody over the shooting, had abused each other.
The musical show ended around 12.30 am, while the guests continued with the party where liquor had been served.
As the guests were leaving the premises around 2 am, Mr Kurukulasuirya and the suspect taken into custody over the shooting incident had entered into another argument. The shooting had taken place soon after.
The suspect taken into custody over the shooting was identified as Asiri Hettiarachchi, a car sale owner in the area.
Mr Hettiarachchi and Mr Kurukulasuirya had clashed about three months earlier when two vehicles belonging to their supporters collided. The incident had occurred during a bicycle race organised by the school.
Mr Hettiarachchi was supporting one of his relatives who was a former Pradeshiya Sabha member planning to re-contest elections under the UNP.
Police said Mr Hettiarachchi was the holder of a licensed weapon. The postmortem was held at the Negombo hospital on Friday.
Former President Rajapaksa accompanied by former Minister Johnston Fernando on Friday evening visited the late Mr Kurukulasuriya’s house.