June 21, Colombo: Tangalle Police have arrested a man yesterday for allegedly giving a car to a gunman who shot dead a witness in a court case in Tangalle in connection with an international drug trafficking between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The suspect known as “Surathala” is a resident of Induruwa.

Investigations have revealed that the 32 year old suspect had taken a vehicle from a car rental company in Bentota for the shooter to flee.

It has been revealed that this suspect named Surathala had contested as a candidate in the last general election. There is also a Member of Parliament representing that political party, Dinamina reported.

Police have also received information that the leader of the political party had been hiding 'Surathala' after the shooting in Tangalle. Sources say that he will also be arrested in the future.

The party leader is a well-known figure in the South and maintains close ties with several high-ranking politicians and members of the security forces. He has also been charged with various crimes.

Kosgoda Sujee, a large scale drug dealer currently based in Dubai, has been at loggerheads with the party leader for some time. He was once shot by Kosgoda Suji's supporters as a result of that clash.