May 17, Colombo (LNW): Former high-ranking government official Thusitha Halloluwa and his legal counsel, Dinesh Dodangoda, narrowly escaped an apparent shooting attempt in Colombo tonight (17), in what appears to be a politically charged act of intimidation.
The incident occurred near Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita as the two were returning from the official residence of President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne.
According to reports, unidentified assailants attempted to open fire on the vehicle carrying Halloluwa and Dodangoda. However, the weapon used is believed to have jammed, allowing the two men to escape by fleeing the vehicle.
Whilst no injuries were reported, the attackers reportedly made off with a collection of documents left inside the car before vanishing from the scene.
Speaking to LNW shortly after the incident, both Halloluwa and Dodangoda confirmed they were unharmed but visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Halloluwa, a seasoned figure in Sri Lanka’s political and public relations spheres, has long-standing ties to several administrations. His roles have included coordinating officer to various cabinet ministers during former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s tenure, Chief of Staff to Mangala Samaraweera during his time as Finance Minister, and Director General of Public Relations under President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In recent weeks, Halloluwa has been thrust back into the public spotlight following controversial remarks he made about an alleged investment linked to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The statement drew considerable media scrutiny and political backlash, fuelling speculation that his remarks may have contributed to the violent attempt on his life.
