A suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident at the Jeewamana Christ Church in Manampitiya, police said on Friday (18 April).

The incident occurred on Friday night, reportedly following a personal dispute between the suspect and the church preacher. According to police, the gunman opened fire during the confrontation and was later apprehended with a locally manufactured firearm in his possession.

No injuries were reported, and police have launched a full investigation into the incident.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, a significant day for Christians around the world. It also comes just a day ahead of the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, which claimed the lives of over 260 people and injured hundreds more in coordinated bombings targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka.