News
Killer made three overseas calls while fleeing
By Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu
Colombo Crime Division sources said that the assassin who gunned down underworld gangster Ganemulle Sanjeewa had made three calls abroad while fleeing to Kalpitiya after the killing.
The calls had been made to three Lankan underworld characters known as Kehelbaddara Pathme, Commando Salintha and Achintha living overseas, police said.
The suspect identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi, a resident of Maharagama, has told the investigators that he had carried out the contract killing for a fee of Rs 15 million. During the preparation period he had stayed at an inn in Kaduwela, where a forged Bar Association of Sri Lanka identity card was delivered by the contractors. The van used to escape from Colombo to Kalpitiya and his passage from there to India, too, had been arranged by them, CCD sources said.
When contacted for comment Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said that the mobile phone of the suspect had been taken into police custody and investigators were analysing the call details extracted from it.
SSP Manatunga said that the gunman had used several names. “It is evident that the suspect was using several aliases, along with several identification cards. At first instance he has appeared as Mohammad Aslam Sherifdeen and later as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi,” Manatunga said, adding that the suspect who was using a lawyer’s identification document had also used the name Kodikarage Kasun Prabath Nissanka.
Meanwhile, Keselwatte police said the remains of Sanjeewa Kumara Saman Rathna alias Ganemulle Sanjeewa were lying at the police morgue. His wife is living in Sri Lanka.
The Police Headquarters yesterday sought public assistance to apprehend the woman who had assisted the murderer of Sanjeewa.
The woman involved in the murder has been identified as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi, a resident of No 243/01, Negombo Road, Jaya Mawatha in Katuwellegama. Her NIC number (995892480V) and two pictures were released to the media by the police headquarters.
The Acting IGP has decided to provide a monetary reward for anyone who will help find the wanted woman.
Information about the wanted suspect can be conveyed to the police via the hotlines 071 – 8591727 or 071 – 8591735.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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