By Norman Palihawadane

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said a businessman, arrested with a caches of firearms, ammunition and hand grenades, had links to a politician, as authorities continued investigations into the seizure.

Addressing a public gathering in Badulla, the President said the suspect was among those being investigated in connection with operations targeting organised crime and that authorities were aware of his political connections.

He also referred to a video footage allegedly showing the suspect firing at people in the Weliweriya area, describing it as an example of the dangerous activities associated with individuals possessing illegal firearms.

The 38-year-old businessman, who is reportedly the owner of a cinema, and a relative of a politician, was arrested following a search conducted by officers of the Colombo District Crime Division at the cinema on Hanwella Road, in the Kirindiwela Police Division, on October 17.

Police said the search had been carried out based on information received by investigators.

The weapons and ammunition seized included two foreign-made pistols, a revolver, a foreign-made repeater firearm and a foreign-made 12-bore firearm.

Police also recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, including 398 rounds of 12-bore ammunition, 278 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 49 rounds of .32-calibre ammunition and 3,083 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition, along with two live hand grenades.

The suspect, a resident of the Millathe area, is being questioned as investigations continue.

The Police Media Division said police would seek a detention order to facilitate further questioning of the suspect and advance the investigation.

The Colombo District Crime Division is conducting further investigations into the cache of weapons and the suspect’s alleged activities and connections.

The Ministry of Environment has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the death of iconic tusker Kawanthissa and allegations of organised operations targeting wild elephants across the country.

In a statement issued yesterday (18), the Ministry said it had lodged a formal complaint with the IGP and the CID, seeking an investigation into whether a coordinated conspiracy was behind the recent killings of wild elephants.

The Ministry Secretary, in a written request to the police, stressed the need to determine whether an organised group or syndicate was systematically targeting wild elephants.

The call for an investigation comes amid growing public concern over the deaths of elephants, allegedly caused by shootings and other deliberate acts.

The Ministry urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible and ensure that the investigation is conducted independently, transparently and without interference.

Police have also been requested to expedite the investigation and provide the Ministry with regular updates on its progress and any legal action taken.

Meanwhile, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, together with the Armed Forces, Special Task Force and Sri Lanka Police, is continuing joint operations, raids and other law enforcement measures aimed at protecting wild elephants.

Kawanthissa, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wild tuskers, died on October 16 after receiving veterinary treatment for several weeks following a reported gunshot injury to his right foreleg.

His death has triggered widespread concern and calls from environmentalists and political leaders for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the subsequent treatment of the elephant.

The government has proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to allow witnesses to give evidence before courts through live audio-visual links, including from locations outside Sri Lanka.

The Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill was published in a Gazette supplement dated October 16, 2026, on the order of the Minister of Justice and National Integration.

Under the proposed amendments, courts would be empowered to permit witnesses to testify remotely through video links with the consent of all parties, on an application by a party to the case or on the court’s own initiative.

In deciding whether to allow remote testimony, courts would be required to consider any objections raised by the parties or the witness and ensure that the arrangement does not prejudice the fairness of the proceedings.

The Bill also provides for witnesses residing overseas to give evidence without returning to Sri Lanka. Courts could appoint diplomatic officers attached to Sri Lankan embassies, high commissions or consulates to facilitate the examination of such witnesses.

Where Sri Lankan diplomatic representation is unavailable, the court could appoint another suitably qualified person, including a legal practitioner or notary, for the purpose.

The proposed amendments would also enable courts, subject to specified safeguards, to allow a witness abroad to give evidence without appointing a commissioner.

Special provisions have been proposed for witnesses who are unable to attend court due to illness or physical disabilities. Such witnesses could be permitted to give evidence from their homes or another suitable location.

The Bill also sets out safeguards relating to the identification of witnesses, confidentiality, electronic recording of testimony and the prevention of unauthorised recordings.

Evidence given through audio-visual technology would have the same legal status as evidence given physically in court. Witnesses giving evidence remotely would therefore remain subject to laws relating to perjury and contempt of court.

Courts would also be empowered to suspend or postpone proceedings where technical problems disrupt the audio-visual connection.

The proposed amendments are aimed at modernising the examination of witnesses and reducing the need for witnesses, particularly those living overseas or unable to travel due to health or physical limitations, to appear physically before court.

However, the legislation is still at the Bill stage and must be approved by Parliament before becoming law. The substantive provisions would come into operation on a date to be appointed by the Minister by Gazette notification.