An underworld drug leader, Dadallage Manju, was shot dead in a confrontation with the STF yesterday.
Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara told the Daily News that the incident had taken place near St.Anne’s Church, Wattala, at around 1.30 pm. The STF personnel had engaged in a search operation based on a tip-off and while they tried to search a van, the occupants of the van had opened fire on them.
In retaliation the STF had shot back killing one person. It was later confirmed that the person who was shot is notorious underworld drug gang member Dadallage Manju.
Two others who were also in the van were taken into custody by the STF. The body of the deceased is currently lying at the Ragama hospital mortuary. Wattala Police are investigating.