Shots fired at Range Bandara’s hotel

Gunmen have opened fire at a hotel belonging to UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara in Karuwalagaswewa this morning, police said.

The shooting had taken place at around 3.00am today while police believe that a T56 rifle was used by the suspects. Police have found around 24 bullet holes at the hotel.

Eye witnesses have confirmed that the shooting was carried out by several individuals who had arrived in a white jeep.

No casualties have been reported from the shooting while the suspects have still not been identified.

Range Bandara’s hotel is located near the Karuwalagaswewa Police Station, Divisional Secretariat and the North Western – North Central headquarters of the Civil Defence Force.

On Sunday (Sept. 28), Palitha Range Bandara was released on bail by the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court after being arrested on charges of trespassing and assault the same day.

The Puttalam District MP was released on a personal bail of Rs 100,000.

Three individuals including Range Bandara were arrested by Police after Karuwalagaswewa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Neil Weerasinghe, had lodged a complaint alleging that the MP had forcefully entered his residence yesterday morning and assaulted him.

(Ada Derana)