Courtroom Murder: Shooter and Getaway Driver Remanded

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali ordered that the suspect accused of fatally shooting Gannemulla Sanjeewa be remanded in custody until June 4.

The order was issued when the suspect, who was already in remand custody, was presented before the court.

The fatal shooting of Gannemulla Sanjeewa inside the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court took place on February 19. 

The gunman, who had disguised himself as a lawyer to carry out the attack, fled the scene but was arrested later that same day in the Palaviya area of Puttalam.

Following investigations, the suspect was identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga.

He has been held under a detention order by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and was presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali. 

The court ordered that he be remanded until June 4 and instructed that he be produced for an identification parade on that date.

A second suspect, Mahesh Sampath, who is alleged to have driven the getaway vehicle, was also remanded until May 23. 

Both suspects were brought before the Magistrate under tight security provided by the Police Special Task Force.

CCD officers representing the prosecution requested that both suspects be remanded due to the gravity of the charges. 

Defense attorneys, appearing on behalf of the suspects, requested court orders to ensure their safety while in custody and to provide medical treatment if necessary.

Magistrate Lakmali instructed prison authorities to guarantee the suspects’ safety and to take appropriate steps to provide medical care if required during their remand period.