June 26, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake remains in custody as investigations continue into the discovery of a gold-plated assault rifle found at a high-end residential complex in Colombo.
Dissanayake, who once held the portfolio of Agriculture, was ordered to be held in remand until July 07 following his appearance before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court earlier today (26).
The case has drawn considerable public and media attention due to the unusual nature of the weapon involved—a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle—raising questions about the former minister’s possible links to unauthorised possession of military-grade arms.
Dissanayake was initially apprehended on May 23 at a luxury residential development in Thimbirigasyaya. His arrest followed the earlier discovery of the opulent firearm at the Havelock City apartment complex in Wellawatte, a location frequented by affluent residents and occasionally, high-profile individuals.
Prior to the former minister’s arrest, two women—aged 40 and 68—were taken into custody in connection with the same incident. Their questioning reportedly led authorities to expand the scope of the investigation, which was subsequently transferred to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), indicating the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case.
Whilst Dissanayake remains behind bars, a third individual arrested during the course of the probe has been granted bail, following a separate hearing. Details surrounding the suspect’s identity or role in the case have not been publicly disclosed.
