Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said the incident occurred near the Beliatta interchange on the Southern Expressway. Four people were killed on the spot, while another died upon admission to the hospital, he said, Xinhua reports.
The shooting took place around 7:45 a.m. local time (0215 GMT) when an unidentified group, traveling in a vehicle, opened fire at another group in a jeep, he said.
The police suspect that the shooting was carried out by members of organized criminal gangs. Sri Lanka has launched an operation since Dec. 17 to curb drug trafficking and organized criminal activities, with over 40,000 suspects being arrested as of last week.
MNA/PR
