Osman Gunasekara Arrested in Connection with Ganemulla Sanjeewa Murder

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Osman Gunasekara, also known as “Gampaha Osman,” has been arrested in the Sri Bodhi Road area of Gampaha, Police said.

He was taken into custody by the Colombo Crimes Division in connection with the investigation into the killing of Sanjeewa Kumar Samararathna, also known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

On February 19 last year, Sanjeewa who had been produced from prison for a court hearing was shot and killed inside the premises of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court No. 5. 

The shooting was carried out by an individual who had appeared in court dressed as a lawyer.

Investigations have revealed that the suspect is alleged to have been involved in planning and conspiring the crime with organized criminals based overseas, as well as facilitating the offence by providing a firearm.

He is also accused of aiding and abetting the murder and illegally possessing a foreign-made repeater-type firearm, 10 live rounds of ammunition, and two magazines without a license.

Authorities say the arrest was made based on information uncovered from other suspects already in custody under detention orders in connection with the same crime.

The suspect is a 69-year-old resident of the Gampaha area.