Reward for Info on Woman Linked to Ganemulle Sanjeewa's Murder

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police is seeking public assistance to apprehend a woman who aided in the shooting of Ganemulle Sanjeewa.

According to a statement released by the Police Media Division, a monetary reward will be offered to anyone providing information about the woman.

The public can report any information regarding the woman through the following phone numbers:

- 071-8591727
- 071-8591735

The Murder Of Crime Boss 'Ganemulle Sanjeewa" :

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was shot dead inside Courtroom No. 5 of the Magistrate's Court Complex in Hultsdorf, Colombo

At approximately 9:30 AM on Wednesday (19), Ganemulle Sanjeewa, a notorious organized crime leader, was escorted from Boossa Prison to the Hultsdorf Court Complex under special protection by the Police Special Task Force.

He was taken to Courtroom No. 5 of the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court for a legal proceeding.

Around 10:00 AM, during the court session, a shooting incident occurred inside the courtroom.

Ganemulle Sanjeewa was rushed to Colombo National Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. During the incident, a woman present in the court premises sustained minor injuries due to the commotion.

Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga stated that the shooter, disguised as a lawyer, entered the court without inspection.

A woman who supported him also entered the court premises disguised as a lawyer.

The shooter approached Ganemulle Sanjeewa as he was about to step down from the dock and opened fire. A book suspected to have been used to smuggle the firearm was later found with the assistance of lawyers. This book, a compilation of criminal procedure codes, had been hollowed out to conceal the weapon.

Attorney-At-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake confirmed that the weapon was brought inside a criminal procedure book, which has now been handed over to the police for investigation.

Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera questioned the necessity of presenting the detainee in court, suggesting that remand extensions are usually done via Skype.

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, visited the scene and emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He assured that the government takes the incident very seriously and is committed to ensuring public safety.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, stated that investigations have been handed over to the Colombo Crime Division. He requested the Bar Association's support in inspecting every lawyer and deploying armed officers inside the court.

SSP Buddhika Manathunga clarified that prison officers and twelve Special Task Force officers were assigned to protect Ganemulle Sanjeewa. However, no one inside the courtroom was armed.

The suspect managed to escape amidst the commotion.

The suspect involved in the assassination of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was arrested by the Police Special Task Force in Palaviya, Puttalam.

Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga revealed on Wednesday (19) evening that the suspectwas identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Asman Sherifdeen.