By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
The suspect apprehended in connection with the murder of infamous drug kingpin and criminal gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” has admitted to executing the killing under a Rs. 15 million contract, police sources disclosed.
During questioning, the suspect revealed that the assassination was planned by underworld figures infamously recognized by the aliases “Kehelbaddara Padme,” “Commando Salinda,” and “Avishka.”
He further confessed that he was receiving Rs. 200,000 biweekly as part of the deal.
According to his statement, the firearm was handed over to him inside the courthouse by a female accomplice, identified as 25-year-old Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi, a resident of Katuwellegama, Negombo. The suspect also admitted to having a close connection with her.
He later concealed the weapon in his waistband before fatally shooting “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” inside Courtroom No. 05 at the Hulftsdorp Courts Complex.
Following the shooting, the gunman escaped using a rented vehicle booked via a ride-hailing service, as his pre-arranged getaway vehicle had failed to arrive.
After reaching an area near Negombo, he and the female suspect stopped at a store to buy fresh clothes. He then rented a van to travel to Kalpitiya, intending to flee to India.
Further interrogations revealed that the criminal known as “Avishka” had provided him with forged identity documents. He also admitted to being responsible for the recent double homicide in Watarappala, Mount Lavinia.
Meanwhile, the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today that the shooter and the van driver who assisted him have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as investigations proceed. An additional report was submitted to the court today.
Police are now appealing for public assistance in locating Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi, who allegedly aided the suspect. Her grandmother claimed that she has not returned home recently.
Investigations also revealed that after the murder, Sewwandi made a phone call to an officer from the Negombo Police Station. She was reportedly required to appear at the station on the first Sunday of each month due to a previous drug-related case.
However, during the call, she informed the officer that she would not be able to attend next month as she planned to travel to Dubai. The officer warned her that she could not leave the country without a court order, leading to an official statement being recorded.
Police urge anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the following numbers:
📞 071-8591727 – Director, Colombo Crimes Division
📞 071-8591735 – OIC, Colombo Crimes Division
Suspect’s Details:
🔹 Name: Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi
🔹 Age: 25 years
🔹 NIC Number: 995892480V
🔹 Address: 243/01, Negombo Road, Jaya Mawatha, Katuwellegama
Additionally, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has announced a cash reward from the Police Reward Fund for anyone providing credible information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Sri Lanka Police have assured that all informants’ identities will remain strictly confidential.
Meanwhile, the post-mortem examination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s remains was conducted today at the Colombo Police Mortuary, with his elder sister present to claim the body later.
Following the attack, security has been significantly strengthened at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court premises since this morning (20).
