-Public Security Minster’s ‘isolated incident’ remarks sparks backlash

– Cabinet spokesman terms the shooting as a ‘serious incident’

– New security protocols implemented after shooting

– Police pursue female suspect linked to Court killing

– Policeman arrested over alleged links with female suspect

Colombo, February 21 (Daily Mirror) – A little over 24 hours since the shocking killing of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne alias ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ inside the Colombo Magistrate Court on Wednesday morning, the government was left stunned with contradictory statements coming from two senior ministers last afternoon.

While there was uproar in Parliament yesterday with the Opposition demanding for answers as to how the security apparatus of the country fell so weak, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala called the matter an ‘isolated incident’. Wijepala claimed that such incidents, which have occurred in various parts of the country, should not be seen as threats to national security, attributing them to clashes among criminal gangs only.

However, Cabinet Spokesperson and Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa did not seem to think so. In a media briefing yesterday, the Minister said that the government is taking the shooting seriously and assured that incidents, whether involving shootings, underworld activity, or drugs, would be investigated in a strict manner. He pointed out that the shooter was arrested within seven hours and that all involved suspects would be arrested.

However, both ministers failed to address the most critical issue. How did the killer enter the Colombo Magistrate Court, executed his plan, and leave the premises? In such a heavily guarded area?

With the government left dampened with such a security breach in one of the most heavily guarded institutions in the country, immediate special security measures were taken following the murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” inside the Hulftsdorp Courts Complex

With the killer entering the court premises disguised as a lawyer, a hurried meeting was held yesterday between police officers, court officials and representatives from the Colombo law society where authorities decided to implement thorough inspections on all individuals entering the Appeals Court complex, including lawyers.

Separately, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence in Parliament vowing to take all steps to end the underworld in the near future.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said that steps would be taken to deploy armed guards inside the courts when special accused are produced before the courts. He clarified that, at present, armed security personnel are not allowed inside courts. However, following discussions with the Judicial Services Commission, police, and the Prisons Department, armed guards will now be deployed in specific circumstances when special prisoners are brought before the courts, he said.

In the aftermath of the incident, two suspects, including the gunman, have been arrested and are currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The second suspect is identified as a 44-year-old van driver who assisted the shooter in fleeing the scene.

However, police are yet to locate a female suspect connected to the murder. Authorities have appealed to the public for help in locating her. Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, has also announced a cash reward for anyone who provides accurate information leading to her arrest. The identity of informants will be kept confidential.

The female suspect, 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi, is a resident of Katuwellegama. Investigations revealed that Sewwandi, posing as a lawyer, brought a revolver into the court complex and handed it to the gunman involved in the murder. Police suspect she is also involved in drug trafficking.

Further investigations have revealed that Sewwandi planned the murder in collaboration with underworld figure Manudinu Pathmasiri Perera, alias Kehelbaddara Padme, who is currently in Dubai.

Police also arrested a 25-year-old officer attached to the Negombo Police Station in connection with the shooting. The officer, a resident of Padeniya, is believed to have aided the female suspect in the shooting. Investigations have revealed he had a telephone conversation with the female suspect before the incident. After recording initial statements, the officer has been taken to the Colombo Crimes Division for further investigation.

Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead inside the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court No. 5.

Meanwhile, the Prisons Department has also launched investigation under an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons. A preliminary investigation has also been initiated by the Colombo Remand Prison. Prisons Spokesman said that Ganemulla Sanjeewa, detained at Boossa High Security Prison, had 22 cases to be resolved by the courts. He had been ordered to appear physically at Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court No. 9 on Wednesday, where he was produced before Court No. 5 for two cases. As a special category suspect, he was escorted under heavy security by prison officers and the STF from Boossa Prison via the Southern Expressway.

Despite initial reports about the gunman’s identity, Public Security Minister Wijepala confirmed that the shooter has been identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi from Maharagama. Investigations have revealed that the suspect is linked to several killings reported in recent weeks.

Investigations revealed that suspect, a former soldier, is involved in several killings which were reported over the last few weeks.