Shooting in Pathaduwana, Minuwangoda: Target Evades Gunmen Amid Surge in Gang-Related Violence

A shooting incident occurred today (13) around 12 noon at Pathaduwana in Minuwangoda, police reported. Two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at a man known locally as “Pas Dileepa,” who managed to escape without injury.

This latest attack adds to a troubling surge in violence linked to organized crime in the Minuwangoda region. Earlier this year, in February, a separate shooting claimed the life of a 35-year-old man near a school—a move authorities attribute to criminal gang activity Ada Derana.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged the escalating crime in Minuwangoda and other areas, disclosing that at least five of the six recent shootings—including those in places such as Middeniya, Kotahena, and Uswetakeiyawa—are believed to be orchestrated by criminal gangs operating in parallel with political influence NewswireNews First.

Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating today’s incident, as part of broader efforts to curb gang violence and protect public safety in the region.