A 69‑year‑old resident of Gampaha was arrested last night (13) in the Sri Bodhi Mawatha area by the Police in connection with the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, who was gunned down inside a Colombo court in 2025. 

According to the Police, the Colombo Range Crimes Division said the suspect was taken into custody for allegedly conspiring with organized criminals abroad to plan and execute the murder. 

Investigators claim he provided the firearm used in the killing, aided and abetted the crime, and unlawfully possessed a foreign‑made repeater firearm along with 10 live cartridges and two magazines.

The courtroom shooting occurred on February 19, 2025, when a man posing as a lawyer entered the chamber and opened fire on ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, who had been produced by prison authorities for a case hearing.

The Colombo Range Crimes Division is carrying out further investigations. (Newswire) 

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Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that the female lawyer arrested in connection with allegations of aiding and abetting the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, be remanded until May 7.

The suspect lawyer was produced before the court by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today.

She is accused of providing a copy of the Penal Code to the accused Ishara Sewwandi to conceal and carry the pistol used in the killing.

The lawyer was arrested by the CID on October 28, 2025, in Kadawatha. 

The case relates to the February 19, 2025, shooting inside the Colombo court complex, where ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ was gunned down while appearing for a hearing.

The shooter was apprehended on the same day, while Ishara Sewwandi, accused of smuggling the firearm into the court premises, was later arrested in Nepal after evading authorities. (Newswire)

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Five suspects, including Ishara Sewwandi, wanted in connection with the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court, have been arrested in Nepal, police said.

Sewwandi, a 25-year-old woman identified as the main suspect, was accused of aiding and abetting the gunman who shot dead Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa, inside Court No. 5 of the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court on February 19.

Since the day of the shooting, Sewwandi had been evading arrest, with police having little information about her whereabouts. She was reportedly hiding overseas under a false identity.

The arrests were made in coordination with Nepalese law enforcement and INTERPOL. Further investigations are underway to extradite the suspects to Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says Ishara Sewwandi, the female suspect wanted over the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa, has not fled Sri Lanka. 

Speaking during a televised interview, Minister Wijepala said that information collected thus far does not indicate that she had fled the country. 

He further revealed that information with Ishara Sewwandi regarding the murder has been collected from other suspects during investigations underway into the matter. 

Minister Wijepala added that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is conducting formal investigations into the murder.

Ishara Sewwandi is wanted for having transported the weapon and handing it over to the gunman inside the Colombo Courthouse, where Genemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead in February this year. (Newswire)

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Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga, the main suspect in the fatal shooting of underworld figure “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for an identification parade.

Piyumanga, who is currently held at Boossa Prison, was brought to court under tight security. Two eyewitnesses were present during the parade, but neither was able to positively identify him as the gunman, according to local media reports.

The suspect was later presented before Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali in her chambers. The court ordered that he remain in remand custody until June 6 and directed that he appear for the next hearing virtually.

Ganemulla Sanjeewa, an alleged gang leader remanded in connection with 19 murder cases, was shot dead on February 19 inside the No. 05 Magistrate’s Court at the Hulftsdorp Courts Complex. He had been escorted to court by prison officers from Boossa Prison at the time of the incident. (Newswire)

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The former Jailor of the Boossa Prison, who was remanded on charges of having aided the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa, has been granted bail. 

Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne issued the order after taking up for consideration the bail application filed on behalf of the suspect.

He was released on a cash bail of Rs. 75,000 and two sureties of Rs. 2.5 million.

The suspect was granted bail as the facts presented during the hearing on this bail application did not reveal that he was involved in the relevant crime.

The former Jailor was in charge of Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s security on the day of his killing at a Colombo courthouse in February.

Ganemulla Sanjeewa was killed inside a Colombo courthouse by an individual disguised as a lawyer. 

Several suspects, including the gunman, were arrested in connection with the murder, while a female suspect who had aided the shooting is yet to be arrested. (Newswire)

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The Jailor in charge of underworld kingpin ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s security on the day of his killing at a Colombo courthouse, has been remanded. 

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today remanded the Jailor until 21 March 2025.

The man, who is a jailor of the Boossa Prison in Galle, was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division.  

Underworld Kingpin ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ was killed inside a Colombo courthouse in February by an individual disguised as a lawyer. 

Several suspects, including the gunman, have been arrested in connection to the murder, while a female suspect who had aided the shooting is yet to be arrested. (Newswire)

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The shooting targeting a 26-year-old man in Weliweriya last night is suspected to be retaliation over a dispute between underworld gangs, the Police said. 

According to the Police, the injured youth has no criminal records, but is identified as a close associate of the notorious underworld figure, “Kehelbaddara Padme”.

The Police suspect the shooting may have taken place as a revenge attack over the recent murder of underworld kingpin ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.

Preliminary investigations reveal the victim works as a driver for a rented vehicle, offering transportation for foreign tourists.

The victim had been informed by the vehicle owner to travel to Weliweriya to pick up a foreign tourist to be dropped off in Galle. 

The Police said the youth had been shot at by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle, while he was en route to the location. 

The victim, who had sustained injuries to his hand, had driven himself to the Gampaha Hospital, following the shooting. 

The Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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An individual has been remanded until 24 March for providing false information regarding, Ishara Sewwandi, the female suspect wanted in connection to the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today ordered that Lahiru Sampath, a resident of Dickwella, be remanded. 

Presenting the accused in court, officials from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) said he had provided false information to the Police via his mobile phone.

The CCD officials further alleged that the accused had attempted to mislead the investigation through his actions.

Taking into consideration the facts, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered the suspect to be remanded.

A search is still underway to arrest Ishara Sewwandi, who had provided the weapon used in the shooting of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. 

The Police have arrested several suspects, including the gunman, in connection to the shooting which took place inside a Colombo Courthouse in February. (Newswire)

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The gunman arrested in connection to the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa has been identified as the gunman involved in a shooting in Kandana in December last year.

The Police said Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi had opened fire at a house in Kandana on 13 December 2024 and had fled the area.

Investigations have revealed that the shooting had been orchestrated by an organized criminal living overseas. 

The information had come to light after the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) had interrogated the suspect under a 90-day detention order. 

The 27-year-old suspect had disguised himself as a lawyer and shot at Ganemulla Sanjeewa while inside a Colombo courthouse in February. (Newswire)

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A confidential report on the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa has been handed over to the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), which is conducting investigations into the murder, handed over the report to Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali at her official chamber.

It is reported that the judge had issued several orders to the Police based on the confidential report.

Statements are also to be recorded from a few inmates at the Boossa Prison in Galle, where Ganemulla Sanjeewa was detained before his murder. 

Underworld Kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead while taking the witness stand during a trial at the Hulftsdorp Court in Colombo on 19 February 2025.

The CCD which is conducting investigations into the murder has arrested some suspects, including the gunman, in connection to the murder. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police says it has sufficient evidence to prove that the actual gunman in the murder of underworld kingpin Genemulla Sanjeewa has been arrested.

Addressing the media today, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said the mobile phone used by the gunman on the day of the shooting has been seized by authorities.

He further said, based on the confession of the suspect, the Police were able to find the clothes used by the suspect during the shooting, which were discarded in a different location.

Based on the confession, the Police had also visited a lodge in which the gunman had stayed the day before the shooting, with the authorities inspecting CCTV footage for evidence, he said. 

SSP Manatunga assured that sufficient evidence has been collected to prove that the arrested suspect is the gunman. 

The Police Spokesman further said, however, steps are being taken to conduct facial recognition with the assistance of the Government Analyst Department to confirm the identities of the arrested suspect and the gunman in the CCTV footage from the court premises. 

He also stated that the suspect’s fingerprints and DNA will be obtained for this purpose, while the assistance of experts will also be sought.

Stating that the Police are working on collecting evidence to prove the gunman in the incident, he said, however, the judiciary will determine the action to be taken regarding him. 

The Police Spokesman made the remarks in response to media questions on reports of confusion between the arrested suspect and the actual gunman in the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa. (Newswire)

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A lawyer representing the main suspect in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case has requested urgent medical care for his client, citing a health issue affecting the suspect’s ear.

During a court session, the attorney informed the magistrate that his client had developed the condition, though he clarified that it did not occur while in police custody. 

He assured the court that no allegations had been made against law enforcement regarding the matter.

The attorney urged authorities to provide necessary medical treatment through proper police channels. 

He also reiterated his request for strict judicial oversight in the case, emphasizing the need for transparency in detention and interrogation procedures. (Newswire)

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The Police have released new images of the female suspect wanted in connection with the murder of alleged underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Last week, Police sought public assistance to apprehend the woman who had aided the gunman in killing Sanjeewa, who was shot dead inside a Colombo Court Complex last week.

The woman involved in the murder has been identified as 25-year-old Ishara Sewwandi, a resident of Katuwellegama in Negombo.

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) had decided to provide a monetary reward for those who can offer accurate information on the whereabouts of the suspect woman while maintaining the confidentiality of the informers.

The public with information on the wanted suspect has been instructed to contact the Police via the hotlines 071 – 8591727 / 071 – 8591735 (Newswire)

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There had been reports of security threats against alleged drug kingpin ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’ who was gunned down at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya said.

Responding to journalists’ questions about an alleged plot to kill Sanjeewa, Weerasuriya said that authorities had received information, though not specifically about a shooting in Colombo.

“We had received information, but not about a shooting in Colombo. The week prior to this in Gampaha court, where Ganemulla Sanjeewa was to be produced… The moment I received the information I spoke to the Gampaha Division in charge officer to inform the Magistrate, cancel the court proceedings, and allow evidence to be given virtually. As he didn’t appear before court that day, there was no issue,” Weerasuriya said.

When asked whether the intelligence had come from the same group behind the attack, allegedly operating from Dubai, the Acting IGP declined to confirm. He said that investigations are ongoing into why Sanjeewa was presented in court despite security threats.

While intelligence was received, it could not be directly linked to the attacker’s arrest, he said. “Our standard security measures, including roadblocks, led to the suspect’s apprehension,” he said.

Weerasuriya also denied prior intelligence reports of a specific involvement by a woman, contradicting SJB MP Rohana Bandara’s parliamentary statement that intelligence agencies had prior knowledge of a female accomplice. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake today slammed authorities for making the shooter involved in the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa a hero.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Dassanayake criticised the manner in which media related to the incident was handled, where inappropriate pictures of the gunman had been shared online.

“Do not let them share pictures of the gunman. Look at the pictures, the criminal seems to be displaying affectionate behaviour with the authorities,” he said. 

MP Dassanayake called on the Minister of Public Security to conduct a probe into the matter.

He further said that media reports say the suspect had been caught within hours of the shooting, not due to the efficiency of the Police, but due to a tip-off from Dubai. 

Responding to the MP, Minister Ananda Wijepala said some of the pictures regarding the shooting incident had been manipulated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He requested the Members of Parliament to fact-check before presenting such matters in Parliament. (Newswire)

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A 26-year-old Police Constable has been arrested for aiding the shooting of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a Colombo court complex this week. 

According to the Police, the Police Constable was arrested on suspicions of having maintained close links to the female suspect. 

He was arrested by officials from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) while at the Negombo Police Station yesterday.

The Police Constable has been identified as a 26-year-old resident of Padeniya, attached to the Negombo Police. 

CCD officials have also found the female suspect’s number saved on the Police Constable’s mobile phone, with a probe underway.

Underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead after taking the witness stand at a Colombo courthouse on Wednesday by a man disguised as a lawyer.

Preliminary investigations had found that a female suspect also disguised as a lawyer had concealed the weapon in a law book and handed it over to the suspect, within the court premises. 

A total of three suspects, including the shooter, have been arrested in connection to the murder, while the female suspect is yet to be apprehended. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala briefed the Parliament today on the progress of investigations into the recent shootings in Middeniya and Colombo.

Addressing the Parliament, Minister Wijepala said the shootings were a result of disputes between various underworld gangs. 

He further assured that national security has not been affected due to the recent shootings. 

Ganemulla Sanjeewa shooting;

Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the main shooter was arrested within 08 hours of the shooting.

Stating that the Police are conducting investigations into the shooting, he further commended the Police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. 

The minister said that a Police Constable has also been arrested for assisting the suspects involved in the shooting.

Revealing details on the shooter, the minister said that he had escaped using a three-wheeler taxi service and had gotten off in Pettah, where he had discarded a bag with clothing.

He further said that the female suspect had arrived in another vehicle at the court premises and that investigations were underway to apprehend her. 

Investigations into the van used by the shooter to flee to Puttalam have been inspected by the Police, with a probe underway into the ownership. 

The Motor Traffic Department inspected the chassis and engine of the vehicle, during which it was found to have used a fake number plate, he said.

Further investigations have found that the shooter and female suspect had stayed at a lodge in Kaduwela before the shooting, with the place being inspected by the Police and CCTV footage showing a white colour car dropping off a parcel.

A person had arrived in a white colour car and had handed over a parcel to the suspects, which is suspected to have contained the firearm and lawyer attires used to carry out the crime, the minister revealed. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala further said that statements have been recorded from various persons, including Police and military officers on duty at the courts at the time of the incident. 

The minister also clarified that this was not the first shooting inside a courthouse as claimed by the opposition.

He assured that the government was taking the matter seriously and was addressing the rise in crime.

Minister Ananda Wijepala emphasized that national security was not at risk, pointing out that such incidents had occurred in the past as well. (Newswire)

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An officer attached to the Negombo Police has been arrested for aiding the suspects in the shooting of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa in a Colombo courthouse yesterday.

It is reported that the Police officer has been arrested over links to the female suspect who had transported the weapon used in the shooting into the court premises. 

The arrested Police officer is reported to have been engaged in a telephone call with the female suspect, who is yet to be arrested. 

Reports state the 25-year-old Police Officer was attached to the Negombo Police Crimes Unit and was on court duty. 

He has been taken into custody by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) for further investigations. (Newswire)

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A motion has been filed before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, claiming that the misidentification and public mention of the name Mohammed Asman Sherifdeen in connection with the murder of alleged underworld leader Ganemulla Sanjeewa has caused injustice to his family.

The motion was filed by a brother of Mohammed Asman Sherifdeen, arguing that the suspect arrested on February 19 for the murder is not the same person. 

Attorney Dasun Perera on behalf of Attorney Nuwan Jayawardena informed court that the Police had detained a different individual and that Mohammed Asman Sherifdeen and the arrested suspect are two different people.

The attorney further noted that this misidentification has caused both legal and social difficulties for Sherifdeen’s family and requested the court to issue an appropriate order.

Considering the submissions, Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali informed the attorneys that since the suspect had not yet been produced before the court, his client should submit the request after the suspect’s court appearance. (Newswire)

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