Bullet Fragment Found in Courtroom After Gang Member's Assassination

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan detectives informed the court that the suspect and driver involved in the murder of "Ganemulle Sanjeewa," a known gang member, have been detained by the Colombo Crimes Division for 72 hours for questioning, under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. 

The suspect identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kadnarachchi from Maharagama, who allegedly carried out the shooting, and the driver, Mahesh Sampath Priyadarshana from Millaniya, who drove the getaway vehicle, have been named as suspects in the case.

Charges have been filed against the suspects, Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kadnarachchi from Maharagama, who allegedly carried out the shooting, and the driver, Mahesh Sampath Priyadarshana from Millaniya, who drove the getaway vehicle under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Firearms Ordinance.

Officers from the Colombo Crimes Division also informed that court that in addition to the two suspects currently in police custody, further investigations have been launched to apprehend other suspects, including a woman who allegedly assisted in the shooting.

Senior lawyer Ajith Pathirana and his legal team appeared in court on behalf of the suspects, requesting that the suspects not be taken to any location without court permission and that the lawyers be allowed to meet with the suspects.

The Chief Magistrate granted the lawyers' request, ordering the Colombo Crime Division not to move the suspects without court approval and to allow two lawyers to meet with them.

Meanwhile, security measures at the Hultsdorf court premises have been tightened following the incident yesterday.

A local inspection was conducted today at Colombo Court No. 5, where Ganemulle Sanjeewa was shot, and News 1st correspondents stated that a bullet fragment was found lodged in the witness box.

Additionally, a petition was submitted to the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court today by the family of Mohamed Asam Sherifdeen, claiming injustice due to the public naming of another individual as the suspect in the murder of Ganemulle Sanjeewa.