Underworld gunman “Chamiya” killed in shootout with police

A member of a criminal gang has died in a shootout with the police in area of Gampaha.

The deceased is identified as Chaminda Edirisooriya under the alias “Chamiya”. He is reportedly a gunman of the team operated by the underworld figure “Angoda Lokka”.

The shootout took place in the area of Oruthota in Gampaha at around 11.00 pm today (22).

The police had been taking the suspect to a certain location in order to obtain further information with regard to a heroin racket that he was involved in.

During the ride, “Chamiya” has told the police officers that he needs to get out of the police vehicle.

The suspect has then grabbed a firearm from a police officer inside the vehicle and opened fire at him while making his escape.

However, “Chamiya” was killed when the police officers fired gunshots at him, in retaliation.

An officer attached to the Peliyagoda Police has sustained injuries in the shootout and is currently receiving treatment at the Gampaha District Hospital.

The remains of “Chamiya” are also placed at the same hospital, according to reports.