By Underworld Figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa Shot Dead at Colombo Court
Underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead in a dramatic attack at the Colombo Hulftsdorp Court complex earlier today.
Gunman Disguised as Lawyer
According to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the attacker, disguised in a lawyer’s attire, carried out the shooting inside a court chamber, specifically targeting Sanjeewa. After sustaining critical injuries, Sanjeewa was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The revolver used in the shooting was recovered inside the court premises, but the gunman managed to escape. Police teams have launched an investigation to track down the suspect.
Sanjeewa’s Criminal Background
Sanjeewa was in court today for an ongoing legal case against him. He was arrested on September 13, 2023, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake upon his return from Nepal.
At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a forged passport with the personal details of a woman from the Dematagoda area.
Authorities believe he had illegally entered India by boat before fleeing to Nepal. His return to Sri Lanka was prompted by an Interpol ‘Red Warrant’, which had been issued for his arrest.
Main Suspect in Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s Assassination Arrested in Puttalam
The Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Mohammed Asman Sherifdeen (34), the main suspect in the assassination of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, in the Palaviya area of Puttalam.
Gun Smuggled into Court by Female Accomplice
According to reports, the revolver used in the shooting was smuggled into the Colombo Hulftsdorp Court complex not by the suspect himself, but by a female accomplice. She reportedly hid the weapon inside a book and entered the court posing as a lawyer. Both suspects were dressed as legal professionals, but the woman remains at large.
Suspect Linked to Previous Murders
During a press briefing, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga revealed that the suspect was also linked to a double murder in the Watarappala area of Mount Lavinia on February 7. This further confirms his deep involvement in organized crime.
The main suspect arrested over Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder has been reportedly identified as a former Intelligence member of the Sri Lanka Army.
The suspect was arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF) in the Palaviya area of Puttalam.
The suspect is identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Azman Sherifdeen.
Prison Spokesman Clarifies
The Department of Prisons claims that Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne alias “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” was produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court today as there was a court order to physically produce him in court.
The Department issued the clarification amid claims that there was no court order to physically produce the deceased in court today.
Prisons Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake said that Sanjeewa, who was being held at the Boossa High Security Prison, had 22 court cases pending against him. A court order had earlier been issued ordering him to be produced before the Aluthkade No. 9 Magistrate’s Court today (19). He was also due to be produced before the Aluthkade No. 5 Magistrate’s Court for two cases pending against him.
Since he was a special category suspect, Sanjeewa was transported to the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court this morning from the Boossa Prison along the Southern Expressway under the custody of Prisons Department officers, with protection also being provided by officers from Prisons Department’s Emergency Response Tactical Team and Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel.
