Police to set up new unit to counter ransom demands; 01 suspect arrested in Hanwella Ransom case

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Western Province (South) Crimes Division on Friday (09) arrested a suspect connected to the assault on a businessman from Hanwella.

Police Spokesperson Senior DIG Ajith Rohana speaking to News 1st said that a complaint was filed with the Hanwella Police on the 29th of June 2021.

'Investigations revealed the businessman has refused to pay a ransom demanded by four criminals,' he added.

The suspect was arrested in Godagama along with a live hand-grenade and he will be produced in court.

The three other suspects have been identified and special police teams were deployed to arrest them, said the Police Spokesperson.

He said Sri Lanka Police will be forming a new special unit to deal with ransom cases and to eradicate such criminal activities in the country.

In addition, a special police intelligence teams will be deployed to conduct surveillance on criminals involved in such criminal activity.