Police investigate possible insider involvement in Ganemulle Sanjeewa’s courtroom murder

By Hemantha Randunu

The Colombo Crime Division has launched a comprehensive investigation into the assassination of underworld figure Ganemulle Sanjeewa, who was shot dead at the Aluthkade courthouse. Police suspect that prison officers or security personnel assigned to his protection may have aided the attacker.

Authorities are currently reviewing the mobile phone records of all prison officers and security personnel involved in Sanjeewa’s protection to determine whether any information was leaked. Investigators believe that crucial details about the attack were passed from within the prison to the underworld gang responsible for his murder.

On 14 February, an underworld group led by ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ had allegedly planned to kill Sanjeewa when he was brought to the Attanagalla Magistrate’s Court. However, he was not transported from Boossa Prison that day due to a sudden illness.

Police investigations have revealed that two individuals, identified as ‘Commando Samindu’ and ‘Ishara Sewwandi,’ had checked into a lodge in Attanagalla, waiting to execute the attack. However, members of Padme’s gang in Dubai contacted Commando Samindu on the morning of 14 February, informing him that Sanjeewa would not be appearing in court.

Police suspect that this information was leaked directly from within the prison, raising concerns about a potential security breach. Investigators believe that either a prison officer or a security official assigned to Sanjeewa may have been responsible for passing on the details.

A full-scale investigation is now underway to determine how information regarding Sanjeewa’s court transfer reached the overseas underworld network.