Suspect arrested in connection with Weligama shooting

One suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting in Weligama on January 4 that left one person dead and another injured. 

A group of assailants who arrived on three motorbikes opened fire on a group of five persons in the early hours of January 4, killing one and injuring another in the group. The shooting was the first fatal shooting of 2025. 

The Matara Division Crime Investigation Bureau, which commenced investigations into the incident, arrested one suspect from Weligama last night on suspicion of aiding and abetting the crime. He was handed over to the Matara Police for further investigations. 

The arrested suspect is a 24-year-old resident of Walliwela, Weligama. Police also recovered a motorbike suspected to have been used in the shooting based on information given by the suspect. 

The Matara Division Crime Investigation Bureau, together with the Weligama and Matara police, are conducting further investigations.