KPI & 50 Seconds : Details Surface Over Club Wasantha's Brutal Murder

COLOMBO (News 1st); It took approximately 50 seconds for two killers to rain down a hail of bullets from automatic rifles to carry out a daylight murder in the heart of Athurugiriya.

On Monday (8), Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as Club Wasantha, was brutally gunned down in Athurugiriya by two unidentified gunmen. Another person, who was injured, also died.

CCTV footage recorded at the premises showed that the killers carried out the crime, in approximately 50 seconds, and fled.

Sri Lanka Police said the shooting that led to the brutal murder of Club Wasantha, also known as Surendra Wasantha Perera, was orchestrated by two criminals: Gona Kovile Shanta and Loku Patti.

Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon confirmed that seven suspects have been apprehended in connection with the crime.

Police Chief Deshbandu Tennakoon said that seven people were arrested for aiding and abetting in the brutal murders.

According to the Police Chief, the crime was orchestrated by two individuals currently residing overseas.

"We have made several important arrests, and their confessions have led to major revelations. I am confident that we will be able to uncover all details surrounding this crime in the coming days, while also arresting those connected to the crime," he said.

The Inspector General of Police has confirmed that five police teams are currently conducting investigations under the direction of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western South Region into the shooting that claimed two lives.

The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. on Monday (8) at a business establishment where Club Wasantha, also known as Surendra Wasantha Perera, and singer K. Sujeewa were attending the opening ceremony as guests.

During the event, two individuals arrived in a white car and opened fire with two T-56 assault rifles before fleeing the scene.

The getaway vehicle was discovered abandoned in the Korathota area of Navagamuwa at approximately 12:45 in the afternoon.

The suspects then escaped to Bulathsinhala in a pre-prepared van, which was later found abandoned in the Bulathsinhala area last night.

Club Wasantha and a 37-year-old man named Nayana Vasula Wijesuriya, a resident of Athurugiriya, lost their lives in the shooting.

Surendra Wasantha Perera's wife, Menik Wijewardena, along with Yomana Kaushadhi, another individual, and popular local singer K. Sujeewa, sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

Singer K. Sujeewa underwent a four-hour surgery involving five medical teams due to severe injuries to her left leg sustained during the shooting.

As the investigation unfolds, several critical leads have emerged, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this crime.

One interesting fact surrounding the crime is the detection of three letters on the bullets, namely KPI.

What Is This KPI?

Suspicions have arisen that the notorious underworld criminal Kanji Pani Imran is behind the recent shooting incident targeting Surendra Wasantha Perera and other members of the business club Wasantha.

The evidence pointing to Imran's involvement includes the letters "KPI" found on the ammunition used in the attack.

On February 5, 2019, local police in Dubai arrested notorious criminals Makadure Madush and Kanji Pani Imran.

Reports at the time indicated that the arrest was based on a tip-off from another Sri Lankan underworld leade.

The arrest took place during the birthday party of Madush's daughter, and Surendra Wasantha Perera had been invited to attend the party and was planning to travel to Dubai for the occasion but was prevented from doing so at the last moment.

Following his arrest in Dubai, Kanji Pani Imran was extradited to Sri Lanka.

He was apprehended by Sri Lankan police while attempting to escape to the Maldives.

After being granted bail on January 20, 2022, Imran subsequently fled the country.

"It is clear that some want to express certain views and comments on the short name of a criminal and link that criminal to this crime. However, police investigations go beyond that. Anyone can claim that a person linked to a crime. While bearing those in mind, the police investigations go beyond that scope," said the police chief.

The latest developments in the investigation into the shooting incident have heightened concerns about the reach and influence of organized crime networks in Sri Lanka.