The Police Special Task Force (STF) yesterday (20) arrested two more suspects in connection with an alleged assassination plot targeting a businessman in the Gampaha area, known as ‘Gampaha Osman Gunasekara,’ as well as several others.

According to the Police, the total number of arrests in connection with the incident has increased to nine.

Two suspects were arrested by STF personnel in Gampaha on Saturday (19) with two assault rifles and ammunition, while five more suspects were arrested following their interrogation.

The Police suspect that the seven arrestees are associates of the notorious organised crime figure known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’. Detention orders will be obtained for the seven suspects, and further investigations will be carried out, Police said.

Reports indicate that during interrogation, it was uncovered that the suspects had been planning to assassinate ‘Gampaha Osman’ and according to the information obtained, the suspects intended to carry out the attack during a new year celebration organised by the Gampaha Police and the Gampaha Business Association.