Police have arrested three suspects, including the alleged shooter, in connection with the fatal shooting of a man at a child’s birthday party held at a function hall in Kadirana, Wattala, on July 23.

The victim was shot by a group that arrived at the function hall in a car while the birthday celebration was underway in the Kadirana area in Palliyawatta.

The suspects were arrested yesterday (07) following an investigation conducted by officers attached to the Western Province North Crime Division, with the assistance of the Police Special Task Force (STF).

Police said the arrested suspects include the alleged gunman, the driver of the vehicle used in the shooting and another individual who allegedly aided and abetted the suspects to hide following the incident.

Initial investigations have revealed that the suspects are 26, 35 and 36 years old residents of Jinthupitiya, Matale and Kaduwela.

According to the police, the attack was allegedly intended to target a suspected drug trafficker known as “Mattakkuliye Kudu Roshan.” However, the gunman is believed to have mistakenly shot and killed another man who was standing nearby after missing the intended target.

Police have also arrested four other individuals, including two women, in connection with the incident.