'Gampaha Osman' Detained for 72 Hours Over Ganemulla Sanjeewa Murder

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have detained Osman Gunasekara, also known as “Gampaha Osman,” for 72 hours for questioning in connection with the investigation into the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

The suspect was arrested in the Sri Bodhi Road area of Gampaha by the Colombo Crimes Division, based on information uncovered during ongoing investigations into the killing.

Ganemulla Sanjeewa, whose real name was Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, was shot dead on February 19 last year inside a courtroom at the Colombo No. 5 Magistrate’s Court. The shooting was carried out by an individual who had appeared in court posing as a lawyer.

Police stated that the suspect has been arrested on allegations of planning and conspiring the crime in collaboration with organized criminals operating overseas, as well as providing the firearm used in the killing and aiding and abetting the offence.

During the arrest, officers also recovered a foreign-manufactured repeater-type firearm without a valid license, along with 10 rounds of live ammunition and two magazines from the suspect’s possession.

Investigators said the arrest was made following information revealed by other suspects currently in custody under detention orders in connection with the same murder case.

The suspect is a 69-year-old resident of the Gampaha area.