Four Suspects of Akuregoda Double Homicide Indentified; Vehicle Suspected to Have Been Used Found in Baddegama

COLOMBO (News 1st): Police say four suspects have been identified in connection with the Akuregoda double murder, as investigations continue to apprehend those involved.

Sajeewa Medawatta, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western Province, said several investigative operations are currently underway to arrest the suspects. He made these remarks during a special media briefing held this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the vehicle believed to have been used by the perpetrators was discovered early this morning while on fire in the Baddegama area. 

Police said the vehicle was located following information received through the 119 emergency hotline. The vehicle, which was completely gutted by the fire, is scheduled to be presented to the Government Analyst for further forensic investigation.

The shooting took place on, the incident occurred on the evening of the 13th of February, at the parking lot of a supermarket in Akuregoda, where attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife were fatally shot.

Police believe the attack may have been orchestrated by an organised criminal figure known as “Karandeniya Sudda.” 

Investigations are being carried out by 12 dedicated teams, including officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Task Force, the Colombo Crime Division, and the Terrorism Investigation Division.

Police said the slain lawyer had appeared in several court cases linked to the alleged organised crime figure.

According to investigators, two armed individuals who arrived in a vehicle opened fire before fleeing the scene.

The victims, a 44-year-old lawyer and his 42-year-old wife, were residents of the Pore, Athurugiriya.

Meanwhile, lawyers affiliated with the National People’s Power issued a statement expressing condolences over the killings.

The statement strongly condemned the influence of organised criminal groups, claiming such elements pose a serious threat to civil rights and the judicial system.

They also urged the government to accelerate efforts to eliminate violent criminal networks and restore public confidence in the rule of law.