Business

It has been revealed that the fatal shooting of a fish trader in Dondra, Matara, this afternoon occurred despite the victim being under police protection due to established threats to his life. The incident took place around 1:00 p.m. today (21) when two individuals who arrived in a car opened fire on 55-year-old Cyril Hendavitharana, a fish trader popularly known as “Delight.” Preliminary police investigations indicate that the assassination was carried out using a 9mm pistol. The victim had previously been the target of an assassination attempt in 2023 at a hotel owned by him, which he had survived unharmed, said police. Following this, based on a complaint lodged with the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, police had maintained a surveillance record book for his security. Although authorities had advised him to prioritize his safety, police noted that the victim frequently travelled to various locations despite these warnings. He was reportedly intercepted and gunned down today while traveling from Gandara to Dondra in a three-wheeler. Police records indicate that the deceased was also facing allegations related to narcotics and human trafficking. They further note that his brother is also a suspect wanted by police for drug-related offenses. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in their vehicle, which was later found abandoned in the Amalagoda area of Matara, this evening.