Backhoe Saman, Thambili Lahiru Interrogated Under PTA

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Western Province North Crimes Investigation Division informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that two organized criminals—Backhoe Saman and Thambili Lahiru—who were arrested in Indonesia and brought back to Sri Lanka, are being detained and interrogated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The police division submitted an investigation report and formally notified Additional Magistrate Oshadha Migara Maharachchi of the ongoing proceedings.

Police stated that the suspects are being held at the Colombo Port Police Station under a detention order issued by the Secretary of Defence, in accordance with the PTA, while further investigations are underway.

The Additional Magistrate ordered that the progress of the investigation be submitted to court on December 9.

Separately, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to record a statement from the wife of Backhoe Saman, who is currently in remand custody over money laundering charges.

The Magistrate instructed prison officials to facilitate the CID in recording the statement next Monday.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court had previously ordered that the female suspect, who was arrested in Indonesia and brought to Sri Lanka, be remanded until the 18th of this month.