The suspect apprehended in connection with the murder of a Buddhist monk at a temple in Malwathuhiripitiya has met his demise in a police confrontation.

The suspect, escorted by officers to "recover hidden weapons", attempted to flee in the Yatawaka area of Attanagalla.

Police, accirding to official accounts, opened fire, resulting in his death. The 32-year-old suspect was believed to be the gunman responsible for the shooting of Ven. Kalapaluwawe Dhammarathana Thero in January.

The monk, fatally wounded in the attack, succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him. Authorities have now apprehended seven suspects in connection with the murder, recovering crucial evidence linking them to the crime.