By: A Special Correspondent
May 17, Colombo (LNW): Fresh developments in the investigation into the killing of notorious organised crime figure “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” have reportedly uncovered an alleged financial and operational network linked to prominent underworld activities in Sri Lanka.
Police investigations focusing on Ousmand Gunasekera alias “Gampaha Ousmand” have revealed that the suspect is believed to have handled large-scale money laundering operations on behalf of alleged gang leader “Kehelbaddara Padme”.
Gunasekera was taken into custody by the Colombo Crimes Division on May 13 over accusations that he supplied the weapon allegedly used in the assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. During a raid at his residence in Gampaha, officers reportedly recovered a foreign-manufactured repeater shotgun, ammunition and firearm magazines believed to be connected to ongoing criminal investigations.
Authorities initially detained the suspect for intensive questioning before securing court approval to extend his detention period for a further three months as inquiries widened into suspected organised crime links and financial transactions.
Investigators now claim that preliminary interrogations have exposed a long-running attempt to mislead both law enforcement and the public through a fabricated rivalry between Gunasekera and Kehelbaddara Padme.
Despite earlier claims of threats and hostility between the two figures, detectives reportedly found no evidence supporting assertions that Padme had targeted Gunasekera for assassination.
Police sources further allege that several previous incidents involving the arrest of individuals supposedly plotting attacks against Gunasekera may have been deliberately staged to strengthen the illusion of an internal gang conflict and divert attention from their alleged collaboration.
Investigators also suspect that businesses linked to Gunasekera were used to facilitate illegal financial operations within Sri Lanka, including the movement and concealment of underworld funds. Authorities are now examining commercial records and financial transactions believed to be connected to these activities.
The investigation reportedly intensified following information obtained from Batuwatte Chamara, who was recently extradited from Azerbaijan. Statements recorded during questioning are said to have provided crucial details linking Gunasekera to the murder weapon allegedly used in the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.
Senior police officials stated that further inquiries are continuing under the direct supervision of high-ranking officers attached to the Colombo police division, with investigators expected to probe deeper into the wider criminal network believed to be operating behind the scenes.