By Fourteen special police teams are engaged in an intensive manhunt across Sri Lanka to capture Ishara Sewwandi, the 25-year-old woman suspected of orchestrating the murder of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” a notorious figure in organized crime and drug trafficking. As authorities close in on her, the case has highlighted several challenges facing the Sri Lankan police force in their pursuit of justice.
A Complex Web of Crime
Sewwandi is believed to be the mastermind behind the murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”—a figure infamous for his links to organized crime and narcotics. The crime took place on February 19 at the Aluthkade No. 05 Magistrate’s Court, a highly publicized event that involved a carefully planned shooting. What makes this case even more complicated is that, while Sewwandi is the mastermind in Sri Lanka, the planning for the crime originated from Dubai. This adds an international layer to the investigation, requiring coordinated efforts between local and foreign law enforcement agencies.
To this end, two police teams from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), spearheading the investigation, are working tirelessly to track down leads within Sri Lanka, while another special team has been dispatched to Dubai to assist in apprehending those involved. Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, expressed hope that the combined efforts between Sri Lankan authorities and Dubai Police would lead to the swift capture of the criminals.
Sewwandi’s Elusive Hideout
Despite the extensive manhunt, police have been unable to confirm Sewwandi’s whereabouts. Senior Police Spokesman, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga, confirmed that Sewwandi has not yet fled the country and is believed to be hiding within Sri Lanka. She has become one of the most wanted individuals in the nation, with authorities offering a reward of Rs. 1 million for information leading to her arrest.
The fact that Sewwandi remains elusive, despite being the primary suspect in a high-profile murder, is one of the key challenges faced by the police in this case. Law enforcement agencies are working on the assumption that Sewwandi is relying on a network of accomplices and may be receiving help from underground criminal groups. This has added an additional layer of complexity to an already difficult investigation.
The Role of Drugs in the Crime
An investigation into Sewwandi’s relationship with the alleged shooter, Samindu Dilshan, revealed that the pair began a romantic involvement in November of the previous year. Dilshan, a former soldier heavily addicted to methamphetamine (‘Ice’), was recruited by Sewwandi to carry out the murder. Investigators have uncovered that Sewwandi supplied Dilshan with drugs, using his addiction to manipulate him into committing the crime. This raises important questions about the role of drug addiction in the increasing use of former soldiers and deserters in organized crime.
Criminal gangs in Sri Lanka, faced with rising costs of maintaining skilled shooters, have turned to contracting former military personnel for jobs. These shooters, often addicted to drugs, are hired for a single job and then released. The use of such “contract killers” has become more prevalent, as they provide a cheaper, disposable alternative to dedicated gang members.
Police Corruption and Internal Challenges
Compounding the difficulties of this case is the issue of police corruption. Several law enforcement officers have already been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting organized crime, including the murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa.” As the investigation unfolds, there is growing concern about the possibility of other officers being involved, either by providing information to criminal gangs or receiving bribes.
The police have launched an intelligence operation to identify and arrest any officers implicated in this corruption. Investigators are delving into whether any members of the force have been complicit in the provision of sensitive information or other assistance to criminal organizations. This adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as police must now contend not only with external criminal networks but also with potential betrayals within their own ranks.
A Long and Difficult Road Ahead
The hunt for Ishara Sewwandi and the investigation into the murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” is far from over. The police are grappling with a range of challenges, from international coordination to internal corruption and the growing use of drug-addicted former soldiers as contract killers. While Sewwandi remains at large, the combined efforts of the Colombo Crimes Division, the Dubai Police, and other law enforcement agencies offer hope for the swift resolution of this case. However, the complexities involved mean that the road to justice may be long and fraught with obstacles.
