Two killed in Baddegama shooting

Two people were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a three-wheeler in the Halpathota area of Baddegama, yesterday morning, police said.

The three-wheeler was travelling from Baddegama towards Ambalangoda when a car, carrying the gunmen, reportedly blocked its path and one of the assailants opened fire with a T-56 rifle.

The driver of the three-wheeler was killed on the spot, while two women, travelling in the three-wheeler, sustained serious injuries.

One of the injured women died after being admitted to the Baddegama Hospital. The other woman was transferred to the Galle National Hospital, where she is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a hospital spokesperson said.

All three victims were reportedly residents of Ambalangoda. The deceased woman was pregnant, according to police.

The victims were returning after appearing before the Galle Crime Division in Baddegama to record their signatures in connection with a bail condition in a narcotics case, pending before court, police said.

The gunmen fled the scene after the shooting. CCTV footage has reportedly captured the attack, including the gunman getting out of the car and opening fire at the moving three-wheeler.

Two police teams have been deployed to investigate the incident and identify and apprehend those responsible.