Colombo – Sri Lankan investigators on Tuesday found the main vehicle used in a deadly prison shooting a day earlier, which killed seven people and injured several others.
The police said that following a thorough investigation, they were able to find a white van which had been used by a group of unidentified men to open fire on a prison bus in the island’s south.
The van had been left abandoned in Moragahahena, just outside the capital.
Five prisoners, including a notorious criminal leader and two prison officers, were killed when the group arrived in the van and opened fire on the prison bus which was on its way to the Kalutara Court Complex.
The police media unit said that according to initial investigations, the gunmen had been wearing clothes similar to police uniforms.
Underworld figure, Anura Udayashantha alias Samayan, who was killed in the shootout, is believed to be the main target.
Investigators said this was not the first time Samayan had been targeted.
In September 2015, he survived serious injuries after an unidentified person shot him at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.
Report says special police teams have been appointed to continue the investigations.
