Dinuka Ekanayake has filed a lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, against Manco Associates, L.C., and ANC Homes, L.C., alleging negligence after a workplace shooting incident. The complaint was filed on January 30, 2025, by Ekanayake, who claims that the defendants failed to protect him from a known threat posed by a fellow employee.
The case stems from an incident on July 16, 2020, when Armando Guzman shot Dinuka Ekanayake at their shared workplace. Guzman had a history of violent behavior and was employed as a security guard by Manco Associates and ANC Homes despite lacking proper qualifications. Ekanayake had previously reported Guzman's threats to his supervisors multiple times, but no action was taken. On the day of the shooting, Guzman accused Ekanayake of reducing his work hours and shot him twice. Ekanayake survived but suffered severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
Ekanayake's lawsuit accuses Manco Associates and ANC Homes of negligence for failing to address Guzman's violent tendencies and improperly hiring and retaining him as an employee. The complaint outlines several causes of action including negligence, vicarious liability, premises liability, negligent hiring, supervision, training and retention. It further alleges gross negligence on the part of the defendants for their conscious disregard for Ekanayake's safety.
Ekanayake seeks over $1 million in damages for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of earning capacity among other claims. He also requests punitive damages due to the egregious nature of the defendants' actions.
The case is being handled by attorneys Anthony G. Buzbee, Ryan S. Pigg, Mauricio Guevara and Lionel Sims II from The Buzbee Law Firm. It is filed under Case ID 2025-06683 in the 151st District Court with Judge Marilyn Burgess serving as District Clerk.