Loku Patti Suspected in Killing Former Sri Lanka U-19 Captain

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police suspect underworld criminal 'Loku Patti' orchestrated the shooting of Dhammika Niroshan. the former Sri Lanka Under-19 Cricket Captain.

Loku Patti is also suspected of being involved in the shooting of ClubWasantha, alias Surendra Wasantha, and others. 

Authorities believe that an extortion attempt involving Rs. 5 Mn may be a motive behind the attack. 

Dhammika Niroshan, commonly known by his nickname Jonty, was the captain of the Sri Lanka under-19 cricket team in 2002.

A right-handed batsman and medium-fast bowler, Niroshan was fatally shot last night.

The incident occurred between 9:25 and 9:30 PM at his residence in Kanda Mawatha, Ambalangoda. 

According to reports, three masked individuals approached Niroshan's house and carried out the shooting as he was about to leave on his motorcycle to attend a funeral.

Police suspect the assailants came from the nearby jungle area. 

There are indications that the suspect, Loku Patti, is currently residing in Dubai, and Niroshan had also lived in Dubai previously, having moved abroad due to threats to his life.

He had returned to Sri Lanka about a month and a half ago and was reportedly planning to leave the country again.

At the time of his death, Dhammika Niroshan was 41 years old and a father of two.