February 22, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic shooting of a lawyer and his wife in a supermarket car park in Akuregoda on 13 February. Following intensive inquiries, police have arrested several individuals, including one of the gunmen believed to be directly involved in the killings.
Under the direction of the Inspector General of Police, 12 police teams were mobilised to carry out a detailed investigation, resulting in the detention of nine suspects, including a critical figure identified as one of the shooters. Among the initial arrests were two brothers from Athurugiriya, who allegedly played a pivotal role in transporting the weapon used in the crime and providing details about the victims’ vehicle. A suspect known as “Polgasowita Dila,” who is believed to have orchestrated the murder, was also apprehended during the early stages of the investigation.
Further breakthroughs came when six more individuals were arrested on 22 February by the Southern Province Special Operations Unit of the Police Special Task Force in Ethkandura, Kahaduwa, for their involvement in assisting the perpetrators. Additionally, it was revealed that one accomplice, who had transported one of the gunmen to a hotel in Pannipitiya, had fled the country to Thailand through Bandaranaike International Airport.
A pivotal moment in the case came later that evening when a suspect, identified as a former Army serviceman, was apprehended in Delduwa, Ambalangoda, by officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau. The 46-year-old man, who had been discharged from the military during the 2009 general amnesty, was found staying at a friend’s house and working on a nearby cinnamon estate.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to carrying out the fatal shooting of the lawyer, using a T-56 assault rifle. He explained that after the murder, he had exited a vehicle near Kottawa and travelled to Ambalangoda by bus to evade detection. The suspect further revealed his connections to a notorious underworld figure, “Karandeniya Sudda,” stating that he had received a contract via phone to carry out the killing. In return, he was reportedly paid Rs. 1 million and provided with a stock of heroin.
Police have confirmed that the suspect, who is also a known drug addict, had previously been involved in illicit activities linked to Karandeniya Sudda. Despite the suspect’s admission to the crime, investigators have not uncovered any other murders attributed to him at this stage.
The arrested individual has since been taken to the Western Province South Crime Division for further questioning and to assist with ongoing investigations. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and bringing all those involved to justice.