October 20, Colombo (LNW): Ishara Sewwandi, the female suspect at the centre of a major underworld-related murder investigation, has been transported to Kilinochchi for field inquiries as part of an ongoing probe led by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).
Sewwandi is believed to have played a leading role in the killing of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, a known underworld figure commonly referred to as ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.
She, along with five others, was recently apprehended in Nepal and extradited to Sri Lanka. The arrests were the result of a joint operation involving Sri Lankan law enforcement and international authorities. The group was brought back to the island under the supervision of Assistant Superintendent of Police Rohan Olugala on October 15.
Following their return, the Ministry of Defence authorised a 90-day detention order for Sewwandi under provisions that allow extended custody for suspects in serious criminal cases. Investigators have since escorted her to a number of locations in the northern region, including Kilinochchi, where she is believed to have sought refuge in the days following the murder.
In a parallel development, officers have been following a lead connected to a woman resembling Sewwandi, who was discovered in Jaffna during the course of a search carried out under the direction of an individual identified as Kehelbaddara Padme.
This woman, known as ‘Thakshi’, was reportedly taken to Nepal under false pretences by a man named Suresh, who allegedly promised her overseas employment. Authorities believe she may have been used as a decoy or caught up in the plot without her knowledge.
While ‘Thakshi’ is not currently considered a direct suspect in the murder, her connection to the group has prompted further inquiries. Investigators are working to determine the exact nature of her involvement and whether she had any awareness of the activities of those she travelled with.
The suspects have been distributed among various police units for further questioning. Sewwandi, along with ‘Duplicate Ishara’ (believed to be Thakshi), ‘J.K. Bai’, and ‘Jaffna Suresh’, are now in the custody of the Colombo Crimes Division. Two other suspects—‘Gampaha Baba’ and ‘Nugegoda Babee’—have been handed over to the Western Province North and South Crimes Divisions respectively.
