Update: Police say gunman disguised as lawyer killed ’’Ganemulla Sanjeewa’’

Police say that the gunman who shot and killed alleged organised criminal Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne alias "Ganemulla Sanjeewa" inside the Hulftsdorp court complex this morning was disguised as a lawyer. 

"Ganemulla Sanjeewa," was shot inside the Aluthkade No.5. Magistrate's Court complex, where he had been brought under guard today for a court case.  

Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said the gunman who shot Sanjeewa had been disguised as a lawyer and a revolver he used in the shooting has been recovered by police from the court complex. However, the gunman himself has managed to flee the scene after the shooting and a police operation is continuing throughout the area to arrest him.

"Ganemulla Sanjeewa" was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital in critical condition after the shooting but succumbed to his injuries.  

The alleged organised criminal and drug trafficker was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport on September 13, 2023 on his return from Nepal. Police initially obtained a 90-day detention order against him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

He was moved to Boossa Prison in June last year on the orders of the Gampaha Magistrate's Court and had been brought to the Hulftsdorp court complex this morning for a case. 

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya visited the court complex earlier this afternoon. Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara also visited the location. 

Pix by Indika Handuwala

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