By Police Seek Public Help in Locating Female Suspect Linked to Underworld Murder
The Sri Lankan police are urgently seeking public assistance to locate a key female suspect involved in the high-profile murder of notorious underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex. Authorities have released a photograph of the 25-year-old woman, Ishara Sewwandi, urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.
A Shocking Twist in the Murder Investigation
The suspect, identified as Ishara Sewwandi, resides in the Katuwellegama area, near Negombo Road. Police investigations suggest that Sewwandi played a crucial role in orchestrating the murder, posing as a lawyer to smuggle a revolver into the court complex. She is believed to have handed the weapon over to the gunman who carried out the deadly shooting.
Further investigations have uncovered troubling links to drug trafficking, deepening the complexity of Sewwandi’s criminal involvement. Sewwandi allegedly collaborated with underworld figure, Manudinu Pathmasiri Perera, known as “Kehelbaddara Padme,” who is currently based in Dubai.
How Did the Murder Unfold?
Police investigations have revealed that Sewwandi’s involvement in the murder was part of a well-planned operation. The suspect used her position as a lawyer to gain access to the court, where she facilitated the attack. Authorities now suspect she may have had deeper connections with the underworld, especially with figures who are known for orchestrating criminal activities across the island.Minutes before the shooting she has been spaking to a number of individuals connected with he murder and she has recived help from a Police Contable to smugle the gun in to the court. She has also visited he lawyers consultation room, where she took the gun out of the book where she had concealed it by carving a hollow.
Investigations have also revealed that following the murder, Sewwandi had made a phone call to an officer attached to the Negombo Police Station. She was reportedly required to appear at the Negombo Police Station on the first Sunday of each month in connection with a prior drug-related offense.
However, during the call, she had informed the officer that she would not be able to appear next month as she was planning to travel to Dubai. The officer had warned her that she could not leave the country without a court order, leading to an official statement being recorded from him.
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Authorities Offering a Reward for Crucial Information
In a bid to accelerate the investigation, Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, has announced a cash reward for anyone who provides accurate information leading to Sewwandi’s arrest. The police have assured the public that the identity of those who come forward with valuable tips will remain strictly confidential.
Two Suspects Detained Under Prevention of Terrorism Act in Connection with the Murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa
The two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, believed to be a notorious underworld figure, have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for further investigation. This was disclosed by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) during a report presented to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today, February 20th.
The two suspects, identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi from Maharagama (the primary suspect) and Mahesh Sampath Priyadarshana, the driver involved, were arrested and held by the police at the Port Police Station for questioning. The police further informed that the suspects are believed to be connected to multiple killings that occurred in recent weeks. As investigations into the incident continue, the police have been granted a 72-hour detention order under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, as the initial 24 hours were insufficient for the investigation.
The police stated that additional reports on the progress of the investigation would be presented to the court in the coming days.
During today’s court hearing, defense attorney Ajith Pathirana, representing the primary suspect, raised concerns about the legality of holding the suspects under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He argued that the law specifically applies to individuals who have killed someone or taken the life of a witness, suggesting that this case may not meet such criteria. The attorney also requested that the police inform the court if the suspects were to be moved outside the police station and allow defence attorneys to meet with their clients for consultations.
Further Investigations
In light of these developments, the Magistrate granted the requested permissions and allowed further investigation, with additional reports to be presented by the police.
The primary suspect, Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi, is reported to have been involved in several other recent killings, according to Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, who presented the details to Parliament. The Minister also revealed that the suspect had been using multiple aliases and was traveling in a van that was later apprehended by authorities, along with its driver.
The tragic incident involving the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Colombo New Court Complex has raised several questions regarding security measures and the circumstances surrounding the assassination. The investigation continues to reveal more details about the suspects’ backgrounds and their possible links to other criminal activities.
In connection with the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, two male suspects have been arrested: Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi, from Maharagama, and Mahesh Sampath Priyadarshana, a driver from Millawa. These suspects are currently being questioned under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Authorities have revealed that Kandanaarachchi has been involved in multiple other killings in recent weeks.It is suprising how this suspect has been able to freely engadge is several murders afer been identifed as a prime suspect . As a eye witness accounts reveel when he suspect was arrsted at the Palaviya junctio he aced very calmly and gave himself up to the police.
A police spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and that the suspect’s associates, including the female involved in the crime, are still under investigation. Authorities are also probing the role of a van used by the suspect to escape the scene and flee to the Kalpitiya area.. Police investigations have found hat he had been promised a payment of 1.5 million ,how ever he has so fr recived only two hundred thousand from the promised amount. It is suspected that he has familiarised him self with court settings before committing the murder.
Following the shooting, the gunman has fled the scene using a rental vehicle booked via a ride-hailing app as a pre-arranged vehicle had failed to show up.
After reaching an area near Negombo, he and the female suspect visited a shop to purchase new clothing. He has stated that he then rented a van in order to travel to Kalpitiya, from where he intended to flee to India.
Further revelations from the suspect indicate that criminal figure known as “Avishka” had provided him with the necessary fake identification cards. Additionally, he confessed to also carrying out the recent double murder in Watarappala, Mount Lavinia.
Criminal Networks Under Scrutiny: Is the Underworld Tightening Its Grip?
This tragic incident has raised several concerns about the growing influence of organized crime in Sri Lanka, especially within the legal system. With several questions surrounding how the murder was carried out so brazenly within the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, public pressure is mounting to uncover the full extent of these criminal networks. Many are asking how the shooter managed to escape so easily and why the suspects were allowed to attend court hearings despite their criminal affiliations.
