Gunmen Kill Ex-Army Man Linked to Crime Syndicate in Ragama

COLOMBO (News 1st);A man believed to be a close associate of notorious organized crime figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead in a drive-by shooting last night (3) in Batuwatta, Ragama.

The notorious drug trafficker and organized criminal infamously known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” was killed on 19th February 2025, inside a Colombo court room.

The victim in Thursday (3) night's attack, identified as Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Upul Amarajith Ratnayake, also known by the alias “Podi Upul”, was a 45-year-old resident of the area and a former member of the Sri Lanka Army. Police confirmed his links to organized criminal networks.

The shooting occurred between 10:10 PM and 10:25 PM along Mihidu Mawatha, when gunmen arrived in a three-wheeler, opened fire, and fled the scene. 

Police recovered approximately 30 empty bullet casings from the location. Ratnayake died on the spot.

Welisara Magistrate Dhammika Uduwevidhana visited the scene this morning (4) and conducted a judicial inspection. The body was later transported to Ragama Hospital.

Investigations are currently underway under the leadership of the Ragama Police.