Disguised as a lawyer, a gunman on Friday shot dead a notorious Sri Lankan gang leader inside a courthouse in the capital city of Colombo, media reports said on Saturday.

Police told BBC that the gunman used a revolver which was smuggled in a hollowed-out book by a female suspect, who remains at large.

Gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne was earlier escorted to the court to face proceedings.

He was a suspect in multiple murder cases.

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne has been in custody ever since he was arrested in September 2023.

The gang leader was shifted to a hospital after he was shot but the doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

The gunman escaped from the scene but he was later arrested by the police.

Police have identified the female suspect as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi, reported BBC.

Police have announced a reward for providing any information on the woman.

Police told BBC they have also arrested a policeman and van driver suspected of helping the two suspects in the shooting.