Overseas-based gangster masterminds Elpitiya shooting plot, Two arrested

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

A soldier and a former soldier were arrested on Saturday night while waiting to carry out a shooting in Elpitiya along with a pistol and 10 rounds of 10mm ammunition in their possession.  

Police also seized three mobile phones, two fake number plates, and their motorcycle.  

The arrested individuals aged 22 and 31 are residents of Meetiyagoda. It has been disclosed that one of them is an active-duty army soldier, while the other is an ex army soldier.  
Their arrest was following information by the Elpitiya headquarters police, indicating that the suspects had arrived at Samagi Mawatha in Elpitiya, allegedly with the intention of killing someone and were arrested near the intended victim’s residence.  

Further investigations have revealed that these soldiers had attempted to commit a murder in similar manner at another location, which had been unsuccessful.  
Police said it has been revealed that the shooting had been planned by an overseas-based underworld gangster.