Open warrants issued for arrest of masterminds behind Middeniya triple murder

Walasmulla Magistrate and Additional District Judge Nawoda Koku Hennadige issued open warrants on Tuesday for the arrest of two individuals, Lahiru Madushan, alias Tambili Lahiru, and Nirmala Sanjeewa, alias Backhoe Saman, in connection with the killing of three family members in Middeniya.

The suspects, Tambili Lahiru and Backhoe Saman, are believed to be hiding in Dubai.

The warrants were issued by Magistrate Koku Hennadige following a request from the OIC of Middeniya Police, Chief Inspector Rohan Wickramasekara.

The triple murder occurred on 18 Feb., at the Kadewatta junction in Galpoththayaya, Middeniya. The victims—Anura Vidanagamage, alias Middeniye Kajja, his son, and daughter—were shot while travelling on a motorcycle. Investigations indicate that the attack was planned and executed under the direction of the two wanted suspects, according to the police’s report to the Court.

The arrest warrants were issued for Edirisinghe Kankanamge Lahiru Madushan, alias Tambili Lahiru, of Kudagal Ara, Middaniya, and Nadun Hewage Nirmal Sanjeewa, alias Backhoe Saman, of Ulahitiya, Middeniya. The police reported to the Court that both suspects are influential figures in the southern drug trade and face multiple charges related to various crimes.

So far, 11 suspects, including the primary shooter, have been arrested in connection with the murder.

By Dileepa N Jayasekera