Dhammika Niroshan, a former Sri Lanka U-19 cricketer, tragically lost his life when he was shot outside his home in Ambalangoda, Galle on Wednesday. Niroshan, aged 41, was attacked by an unknown assailant.
Law enforcement in Sri Lanka is currently conducting investigations to capture the shooter responsible for the crime. It is reported that Niroshan's wife and children were present at their residence during the incident. The shooting was carried out using a 12-bore firearm.
Sri Lanka Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa has stated that the shooting appears to be linked to gang rivalry. Niroshan had recently returned to Sri Lanka after fleeing the country due to the murder of his close friend Dasun Manawadu in Ambalangoda.
Authorities are looking into a possible connection between Niroshan's death and the 2016 assassination of former First-Class cricketer H. Premasiri in the same area. Premasiri, who served as the president of the Galle District Cricket Association, was also shot near his home.
Niroshan was a promising talent in Sri Lanka's youth cricket system and captained the national Under-19 team during the 2002 World Cup in New Zealand. Despite winning only one game in the tournament, Niroshan's leadership skills were evident. He retired from professional cricket at the age of 21. Niroshan's career also included appearances in First-Class matches for various teams, where he showcased his skills as a right-arm fast bowler and a right-hand batsman. His last game was for Galle Cricket Club in December 2004.