Gold-Colored Rifle Mystery : Former Minister’s Guard Denies Ownership

COLOMBO (News 1st); The investigation into the discovery of a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Wellawatte has taken a new turn, as the chief security officer of former Senior Minister Bertie Premalal Dissanayake has denied any connection to the weapon.

During proceedings at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, investigators revealed that the firearm was not issued from the central police armory, raising further questions about its origin.

The case also involves former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was presented in court today (19). Officers from the Terrorist Investigation Division submitted a consolidated report to Magistrate Chathurika de Silva, detailing the latest findings.

The weapon was initially discovered at the entrance of a high-end residential complex in the Havelock-Wellawatte area, where two women were arrested. 

Subsequently, Dissanayake and a cook under his command were also taken into custody.

Police also recovered two airline tickets from the bag containing the firearm. 

However, during questioning, the individuals named on the tickets claimed to have no knowledge of the weapon or the travel documents.

The magistrate ordered that Duminda Dissanayake and three other suspects be remanded until June 26, while also granting permission to record formal statements from Dissanayake and his cook.