The suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a Buddhist monk at a temple in Malwathuhiripitiya has been shot dead by police while attempting to escape custody.
The incident occurred when officers were escorting the suspect to recover hidden weapons in the Yatawaka area in Attanagalla.
The suspect, a 32-year-old individual, had been arrested in the Hambegama area in Moneragala and was believed to be the gunman responsible for the shooting death of Buddhist monk Ven. Kalapaluwawe Dhammarathana Thero in January.
On January 23, a group of four assailants arrived in a car and shot the 45-year-old Buddhist monk inside a temple in Malwathuhiripitiya.
The monk, Ven. Kalapaluwawe Dhammarathana Thero, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Gampaha Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigating officers have arrested a total of seven suspects allegedly involved in the murder.
The T-56 rifle believed to have been used in the crime and the remote switch of the car used by the assailants were recovered from the possession of the fourth suspect.
