Sri Lankan police investigations have revealed that the fatal shooting of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama, was allegedly carried out by two army deserters acting as hired gunmen on the orders of an underworld figure hiding in Abu Dhabi. Investigators say the fugitive crime leader orchestrated the operation remotely, maintaining telephone contact with suspects and issuing instructions for the attack.
Authorities believe the motive stemmed from hostility linked to the victim’s legal work. The lawyer had long appeared in cases associated with the alleged mastermind but had recently represented a rival figure, a move police say triggered resentment and ultimately led to the assassination plot. On the day of the killing, the lawyer had appeared before courts in Kaduwela in connection with a separate high-profile murder case.
Two suspects arrested by the Nugegoda Crime Division, both residents of Athurugiriya, are believed to have supplied the firearms used in the shooting, including a T-56 assault rifle and a pistol. Police say four individuals were directly involved in carrying out the attack, with the two identified gunmen now suspected to be deserters from the Sri Lankan Army. Those currently in custody have reportedly stated during questioning that they did not receive the money promised for assisting in the operation.
The shooting took place at about 5.00 pm on the 13th when the lawyer and his wife were returning home after visiting a supermarket. Gunmen forced their way into the vehicle, opened fire at close range, and fled, in what investigators describe as a premeditated contract killing.
A major investigation involving ten police teams has been launched under the supervision of Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya as authorities work to track down remaining suspects and examine the international links behind the crime.
The murders triggered an unprecedented backlash from the legal community, with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka organizing silent protests and a boycott of court proceedings across the country. Thousands of cases were postponed after lawyers refused to appear, and black flags were raised near courthouses in protest against the killings.
Addressing a gathering of attorneys, Bar Association President Rajiv Amarasuriya said the incident posed a serious threat to the rule of law and called for strict enforcement against those responsible, emphasizing that such violence must not be allowed to continue.
The final rites of the victims were held at Pitigala Godamuna under tight security and attended by large crowds, including lawyers from across the island, highlighting the deep shock the killings have caused within Sri Lanka’s legal and civic institutions.
