A leading underworld gangster identified as Udammita Samare was shot dead in Veyangoda, police said. Another person who was critically injured during the shooting was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.
Unidentified gunmen had opened fire at the car carrying Sugathapala and three others on Saturday night close to the El Oya bridge in Veyangoda. Two others in the car escaped unhurt.
Police said Uddamita Samare had been driving the car. He is a suspect in several cases including the recent killing of the Nittambuwa Traders Association chairman Suranga Peiris.
The person seated next to Samare in the front row was also injured.
Police said they believe the suspects fled in a white jeep.