Accomplice of drug trafficker killed in exchange of fire

An accomplice of drug trafficker, Mahesh Hinatiyana has been shot dead in an exchange of fire, the Special Task Force said today (June 24). 

Acting on information received by the STF officials of the Raid Unit (Colombo Zone) at the STF Headquarters Camp, they conducted a raid at Welikadayaya area of Embilipitiya this morning. 

The suspect had opened fire at the officials, where one officer was shot. In response, the STF opened fire, where the suspect was shot. 

Both the STF official and the suspect were admitted to the Embilipitiya Hospital, where the suspect died while the official is still receiving treatment. 

The deceased suspect was revealed to be Ganidu Sadumina, a main accomplice of drug trafficker and organised criminal living abroad, Mahesh Hinatiyana. 

He is the main shooter in the attempted murder of Dhanushka Madhushan Nawaratne alias Cardboard Suranga in Katunayake on December 14, 2022. 

He has also been responsible for the murder of Manikkuge Prabath Piyankara de Silva alias “Chandu” in Minuwangoda on February 16, 2023 and the murder of Ethagamage Nilmika Madhusanka Silva and injuring Nihal Harischandra alias “Bappa” in Minuwangoda on June 17. 

The Embilipitiya Police are conducting further investigation.