An attempted shooting targeting a candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) contesting the Kalutara Municipal Council has been thwarted, police said.

Police stated that the incident occurred on the night of 7 February, when gunmen attempted to open fire on a Kalutara Municipal Council candidate. The attack was unsuccessful, and no injuries were reported.

The intended target has been identified as Bandula Prasanna, who is contesting the Kalutara Municipal Council election from the SJB.

According to police, this is not the first such incident involving the candidate. A similar shooting attempt had been carried out around nine months ago, which was also unsuccessful.

During investigations at the scene, police recovered a live pistol round and a mobile phone, both believed to have been dropped by the suspects during the attempted attack.

Further investigations are ongoing.