The white ‘Dolphin’ type van used in the prison shooting was found abandoned in Moragahahena, last night.

Police said the van was found near a vehicle rental service near the Moragahahena junction.

Seven persons, including underworld leader Aruna Udayanga, also known as ‘Samayan’, were killed in the shoot-out last morning.

Unidentified gunmen had waylaid the Black Maria transporting prisoners from The Kalutara prison to the Kalutara Magistrate Court were waylaid by an armed gang, posing as police officers.

Police said yesterday they suspected a rival gang to have committed the killings.

Two prison officials were among those killed in the attack that took place at around 8.30 last morning.