A Sri Lankan man accused of being a drug gang kingpin has been shot dead inside a Colombo courthouse by a gunman disguised as a lawyer.

Ganemulla Sanjeewa, a notorious underworld figure, was shot at a close range on Wednesday after he entered the dock at the Colombo Hulftsdorp Court complex seeking bail.

Sanjeewa was brought to court under a heavy armed escort by commandos from the elite Special Task Force, who handed him over to prison guards at the entrance.

Buddhika Manathunga, the senior police superintendent, said that the gunman had disguised himself as a lawyer and opened fire inside the court chamber before fleeing the scene. The revolver used in the attack was left inside the courtroom.

“The shooter managed to escape immediately after the attack. Several police teams are actively investigating and working to apprehend the suspect,” Mr Manathunga said.