Who’s Behind the High Drama?

 

Shooting at Jeep Carrying Ex-NLO Officer Raises Alarming Questions

Jeep Attack Leaves More Questions Than Answers

The motive behind a dramatic attack on a jeep carrying Thushitha Halloluwa—former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board and former Director General of Public Relations for ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe—along with Attorney Dinesh Dodangoda, remains unclear. Investigations so far have not revealed any evidence that official documents were stolen during the assault.

Gunman and Rider in Custody—But No Clarity Yet

The gunman, who opened fire at the jeep, and the motorcycle rider who assisted him, have been arrested. Despite extensive questioning, neither has admitted to stealing any files from the vehicle. A senior police official confirmed that no document theft has been uncovered, even from reviewing nearby CCTV footage.

One suspect told police:

“We were instructed to scare them, not to harm anyone. That’s what we did. I don’t know anything about any documents.”

Suspect’s Background and Dubious Ties

The motorcycle rider is a resident of Hunupitiya, Wattala, and works as a mechanic at a vehicle rental company in Kirulapone. The company’s owner also resides near the suspect’s home. Investigations reveal the attackers left from this rental company on the day of the shooting (May 17, Narahenpita).

Dubai Crime Connection and Paid Attack

The vehicle rental owner allegedly recruited the suspect on the instructions of a notorious drug trafficker based in Dubai, who is believed to have orchestrated the attack. That trafficker is said to be the son of a local actor, known for playing “Appu” in the long-running teledrama Kopi Kade.

Bank records show Rs. 200,000 each was transferred to the accounts of both the gunman and the rider via a Dubai bank. Maladewan police have now requested Interpol assistance to trace the international links.

Shooter’s Identity and Military Rumors

The shooter is believed to be from Uswetakeiyawa, with a history of minor thefts, but not known as a contract killer or gang member. Initial suspicions that he had a military background remain unconfirmed. Police believe he is currently in hiding and likely to be arrested soon.

A Larger Network: 7 Arrested So Far

Several individuals have now been taken into custody:

The rider

The rental company owner

Two people who helped hide the motorcycle

The rider’s wife

A security guard from a housing complex in Maharagama where the rider was temporarily staying

Two suspects from Wattala and Grandpass who helped conceal the motorcycle

Pre-Planned, Informed Ambush

The attack occurred just as Halloluwa and Dodangoda were leaving the home of a well-known legal advisor. Investigations revealed that the gunman and rider had advance knowledge of their destination, the neighborhood, and the route of the jeep—indicating a carefully planned operation.

Court Orders and Remand

On May 28, Colombo police sought a court order to detain three suspects for 24 hours for further questioning. One suspect requested the opportunity to make a statement to the court.Who’s Behind the High Drama?

Shooting at Jeep Carrying Ex-NLO Officer Raises Alarming Questions

Jeep Attack Leaves More Questions Than Answers

The motive behind a dramatic attack on a jeep carrying Thushitha Halloluwa—former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board and former Director General of Public Relations for ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe—along with Attorney Dinesh Dodangoda, remains unclear. Investigations so far have not revealed any evidence that official documents were stolen during the assault.

Gunman and Rider in Custody—But No Clarity Yet

The gunman, who opened fire at the jeep, and the motorcycle rider who assisted him, have been arrested. Despite extensive questioning, neither has admitted to stealing any files from the vehicle. A senior police official confirmed that no document theft has been uncovered, even from reviewing nearby CCTV footage.

One suspect told police:

“We were instructed to scare them, not to harm anyone. That’s what we did. I don’t know anything about any documents.”

Suspect’s Background and Dubious Ties

The motorcycle rider is a resident of Hunupitiya, Wattala, and works as a mechanic at a vehicle rental company in Kirulapone. The company’s owner also resides near the suspect’s home. Investigations reveal the attackers left from this rental company on the day of the shooting (May 17, Narahenpita).

Dubai Crime Connection and Paid Attack

The vehicle rental owner allegedly recruited the suspect on the instructions of a notorious drug trafficker based in Dubai, who is believed to have orchestrated the attack. That trafficker is said to be the son of a local actor, known for playing “Appu” in the long-running teledrama Kopi Kade.

Bank records show Rs. 200,000 each was transferred to the accounts of both the gunman and the rider via a Dubai bank. Maladewan police have now requested Interpol assistance to trace the international links.

Shooter’s Identity and Military Rumors

The shooter is believed to be from Uswetakeiyawa, with a history of minor thefts, but not known as a contract killer or gang member. Initial suspicions that he had a military background remain unconfirmed. Police believe he is currently in hiding and likely to be arrested soon.

A Larger Network: 7 Arrested So Far

Several individuals have now been taken into custody:

The ride

The rental company owne

Two people who helped hide the motorcycle

The rider’s wife

A security guard from a housing complex in Maharagama where the rider was temporarily staying

Two suspects from Wattala and Grandpass who helped conceal the motorcycle

Pre-Planned, Informed Ambush

The attack occurred just as Halloluwa and Dodangoda were leaving the home of a well-known legal advisor. Investigations revealed that the gunman and rider had advance knowledge of their destination, the neighborhood, and the route of the jeep—indicating a carefully planned operation.

Court Orders and Remand

On May 28, Colombo police sought a court order to detain three suspects for 24 hours for further questioning. One suspect requested the opportunity to make a statement to the court.