Rs. 1.5 Million Contract Killing: CID Investigates Weligama PS Chairman’s Murder

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation to arrest the individual who supplied the firearm and the person who provided the motorcycle used in the assassination of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Lasantha Wickramasekara.

According to the department, the chairman was shot with a revolver.

Police investigations have revealed that the killing was carried out under a contract worth Rs. 1.5 million. 

This information was uncovered during the interrogation of the gunman, who was arrested in Nawinna, Maharagama.

Police said the gunman, his wife, the motorcycle rider, and the person who provided accommodation for them are being detained for 72 hours for questioning.

Meanwhile, three other suspects arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the murder are being detained and questioned for 48 hours.

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division has also commenced a probe into the gunman and the other suspects arrested in connection with the assassination.

Police further stated that ten special teams have been deployed to investigate the case under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police.

So far, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident from Galle, Kekirawa, and Weligama.

Police said that the main gunman has seven previous cases against him — five related to theft, two for robbery, one for possession of illegal firearms, and one for bicycle theft.

Meanwhile, the main suspect was produced before the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer yesterday afternoon.