Sri Lankan Tamil businessman shot dead, wife injured in Kotahena

Informed sources say an internecine battle has started among the Colombo underworld gangs that have been dealing with the LTTE.

Feb 09, Colombo: A Tamil businessman and his wife were shot by two motorbike-riding gunmen on the St. Lucia road in Kotahena yesterday evening.

Kulanthaweli Veera Subramaniyam, a businessman, died on the spot, while his wife suffered serious injuries. Mrs. Subramaniyam has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

Mr. Subramaniyam was 54 years old and known to be a wealthy businessman. The couple was going to a pharmacy after attending prayers at St. Lucia Church when they were shot. According to the Kotahena police, the incident occurred around 8 PM on Friday evening.

Informed sources who suspect possible links say an internecine battle has started among the Colombo underworld gangs that have been dealing with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Police yesterday arrested 10 people from the Grandpass area on suspicion of selling vehicles to the LTTE.

Source: Colombo page