Police have also found several more weapons including a sword, kris-knife and 65 grams of explosives from the house of Western Provincial Councillor Randeer Rodrigo.

STF stated that more than 100 bullets were recovered from Rodrigo’s house who was arrested following the exchange of fire with the STF at Henpitagedara last afternoon (23).

In addition, two vehicle number plates were also found in the suspect’s house.

Police also arrested the wife of the suspect in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, police investigations revealed that the 7 gangsters who opened fire at STF had ventured into that area to steal a treasure found by another group.

The police investigation also revealed that the group had come to the area in separate vehicles - a van, a three-wheeler and a motorcycle.

According to the police investigation, 11 gangsters had been there and two have escaped the scene after the incident.

One of the escapees is believed to have connected to the shooting at the Prison bus in Kalutara.

He has been identified as Polwatte Nishantha.

Meanwhile, 35-year old Navalage Kushan Thakshila Corey of Nilpanagoda in Minuwangoda died in the shooting.

The suspects were produced before Minuwangoda Magistrate today (24).