No Threat to National Security Amid Gang Clashes, says Sri Lanka's Security Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala told parliament that the government has taken serious note of the shooting incident that occurred on February 19th.

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa was shot dead inside Courtroom No. 5 of the Magistrate's Court Complex in Hultsdorf, Colombo.

The suspect who carried out the shooting, identified as Samidu Dilshan Piyumanga Kadanarachchi, a resident of Mahragama, was arrested within hours of the crime at 16:30 in Palaviya.

The van used in the crime was seized, and the driver was also taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing, including inquiries into a woman who is a person of interest.

Minister Wijepala emphasized that the incident poses no threat to national security, categorizing it as an underworld criminal act.

He highlighted that such clashes between criminal gangs have been occurring sporadically. He also criticized those who claim that national security has been undermined, pointing out that during their tenure, media institutions were set on fire, and journalists were killed, with many crimes remaining unsolved for over a decade.

The suspect arrested on February 19th is linked to several other murders in recent weeks, he added.

Minister Wijepala assured that each crime is investigated individually, and necessary actions are taken promptly. He reiterated that isolated incidents should not be labeled as threats to national security and affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the nation's safety.

The Murder Of Crime Boss 'Ganemulle Sanjeewa" :

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was shot dead inside Courtroom No. 5 of the Magistrate's Court Complex in Hultsdorf, Colombo

At approximately 9:30 AM on Wednesday (19), Ganemulle Sanjeewa, a notorious organized crime leader, was escorted from Boossa Prison to the Hultsdorf Court Complex under special protection by the Police Special Task Force.

He was taken to Courtroom No. 5 of the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court for a legal proceeding.

Around 10:00 AM, during the court session, a shooting incident occurred inside the courtroom.

Ganemulle Sanjeewa was rushed to Colombo National Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. During the incident, a woman present in the court premises sustained minor injuries due to the commotion.

Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga stated that the shooter, disguised as a lawyer, entered the court without inspection.

A woman who supported him also entered the court premises disguised as a lawyer.

The shooter approached Ganemulle Sanjeewa as he was about to step down from the dock and opened fire. A book suspected to have been used to smuggle the firearm was later found with the assistance of lawyers. This book, a compilation of criminal procedure codes, had been hollowed out to conceal the weapon.

Attorney-At-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake confirmed that the weapon was brought inside a criminal procedure book, which has now been handed over to the police for investigation.

Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera questioned the necessity of presenting the detainee in court, suggesting that remand extensions are usually done via Skype.

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, visited the scene and emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He assured that the government takes the incident very seriously and is committed to ensuring public safety.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, stated that investigations have been handed over to the Colombo Crime Division. He requested the Bar Association's support in inspecting every lawyer and deploying armed officers inside the court.

SSP Buddhika Manathunga clarified that prison officers and twelve Special Task Force officers were assigned to protect Ganemulle Sanjeewa. However, no one inside the courtroom was armed.

The suspect managed to escape amidst the commotion.

The suspect involved in the assassination of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was arrested by the Police Special Task Force in Palaviya, Puttalam.

Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga revealed on Wednesday (19) evening that the suspectwas identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Asman Sherifdeen.