Iresha’s hopes to migrate for tourism job in Canada dashed

Hopes of young Iresha Shamali, 29 to migrate to Canada for a job in the tourism sector was dashed after she was accidentally hit by the police who were attempting to capture a group of robbers fleeing from the scene in Danowita.

Shamali was returning after a religious programme (Pooja) from Anuradhapura in a bus heading from Galenbindunuwewa to Colombo. She was accompanied by her brother and his wife.

Eyewitnesses said that she was seated in the right hand corner of the rear seat when she was suddenly hit by a stray bullet. She was killed instantly. 

Earlier the Danowita Police were informed that robbers had broken into an alcohol shop and the Police had arrived at the scene, where the robbers were trying to get away with the safe. 

Upon sighting the Police, the robbers had shown an object resembling a firearm and had attempted to escape by a van, and escaped even when the Police had shot and injured them. 

The van was overtaking the bus when the police fired at it and one of the bullets had gone through the rear of the bus directly hitting Shamali.

Later, the Police discovered the van dumped in the Welikadamulla area, while an acquaintance of the robbers in the area, had admitted them to the Ragama Hospital and informed the Wattala Police. 

The suspects are currently obtaining treatment under Police observation. 

Investigations are being conducted by Police Stations of the incidents related to the matter and special investigations units under the Northern Deputy Inspector General of Police of the Western Province.