Dan Priyasad's Murder Linked To Family Dispute

COLOMBO (News 1st); Dan Priyasad, a candidate for the Kolonnawa Pradeshiya Sabha from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, was fatally shot last night while staying at a relative's house on the sixth floor of the Laksanda Sevana housing complex in Salmulla, Kolonnawa.

According to police reports, two individuals arrived on a motorcycle, entered the sixth floor via the stairwell, and carried out the shooting. CCTV footage captured the suspects fleeing the scene and taking Dan Priyasad away.

The assailants used a 9mm firearm, firing eight shots at Priyasad, four of which struck him. He was immediately admitted to Colombo National Hospital with severe injuries. Despite undergoing surgery and being placed in the intensive care unit, Priyasad succumbed to his injuries around midnight.

Following initial procedures, the body was sent to the morgue, where relatives identified it this morning. The magistrate's inquiry was conducted this afternoon.

Police suspect that the murder may have been motivated by a personal dispute. 

On July 26, 2022, Priyasad's brother, Thilina Priyasad, was murdered with sharp weapons near the Orugodawatta flyover by two individuals wearing helmets. 

Thilina was reportedly involved in drug trafficking, with two criminal cases pending against him. 

Relatives of Dan Priyasad were accused of Thilina's murder.

A few days ago, Dan Priyasad was involved in an incident where a three-wheeler belonging to his relatives was attacked.

After Priyasad's murder, the father and son duo from the relatives faction fled the area.

Following a police report this afternoon, the Colombo Magistrate's Court issued a travel ban on the father and son. Police investigations have revealed information about their involvement in Priyasad's murder.

Dan Priyasad, aged 39, was actively involved in several organizations and was a candidate for the upcoming local government elections. Attorney-at-law Sagara Kariyawasam, the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, stated that Priyasad was included in their additional list for the Kolonnawa Pradeshiya Sabha.