Gunman in Akuregoda double murder arrested

One of the two gunmen who shot and killed a lawyer and his wife in the Akuregoda area of Thalangama was arrested this evening (February 21).

Investigations were launched by officers of the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit in coordination with the Western Province (South) Crimes Division of Sri Lanka Police to apprehend the suspects involved in the shooting.

The suspect was arrested in the Delduwa area of the Ambalangoda Police Division along with a mobile phone believed to have been used in connection with the offence. He was subsequently handed over to the Western Province (South) Crimes Division.

The arrested suspect is a 46-year-old resident of Baddegama. Investigations have revealed that he is a former Army soldier who legally left the Army during the general amnesty period granted in 2009.

Preliminary investigations have also revealed that the suspect was the gunman who carried out the attack using a T-56 type firearm targeting the lawyer and his wife, while the second gunman used a pistol.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court on February 22, 2026. Further investigations are being conducted by the Western Province (South) Crimes Division.

Attorney-at-Law Buddika Mallawa Arachchi and his wife, W. A. Nisansala, were shot dead inside their vehicle on February 13, 2026, at around 4:50 PM, in the car park of a supermarket in the Akuregoda area near the Defence Headquarters Complex, approximately 700 metres away.

On February 16, 2026, three suspects were arrested by investigating officers in the Kottawa and Athurugiriya Police Divisions, and on February 17, 2026, in the Kahathuduwa Police Division, for aiding and abetting and conspiring to commit the crime.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the individual who brought the gunman to a lodging house in Pannipitiya prior to the shooting has fled to Thailand.

Police stated that he is a resident of the Kahaduwa area and a close associate of the criminal known as “Karandeniya Sudda,” who is alleged to have orchestrated the murder.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka Police today (February 21) took into custody the vehicle used to transport the gunman, as well as the rented vehicle the suspect used to travel to Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake before leaving the country.

— Last updated: 09:37 AM, February 22, 2026 —

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