Evidence Presented in Colombo Courtroom Assassination

COLOMBO (News 1st); Evidence related to the Courtroom Assassination of Ganemulle Sanjeewa was recorded in the presence of Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali in Colombo.

Evidence was recorded from several officers who were present in the courtroom during the shooting incident.

The recording of evidence was led under the supervision of a sergeant from the Colombo Crime Division.

Police Constable Anura Wijesiri, attached to the Peliyagoda Crime Division, testified that the Special Task Force (STF) was present near the courtroom at the time of the incident.

Translated Excerpt:

"Court proceedings began around 9:30 AM that day. Due to the use of Skype for the hearing, civilians were removed from the courtroom. The court staff, prison officers, police officers, and lawyers remained inside. Around 9:45 AM, prison officers brought a suspect into the courtroom and seated him on a bench near the cell. Later, his case was called. Subsequently, an individual resembling a lawyer approached the suspect in the dock and opened fire, discharging approximately five shots. People inside the courtroom began shouting that a lawyer had fired the shots. The shooter then opened the door and fled. STF officers were stationed near the door. I am unsure if they were present at the exact moment of the incident, but I saw STF officers on the stairs."

End of Translated Excerpt.

Priyantha Pushpakumara Samaranayake, a lawyer present in the courtroom during the incident, also provided testimony today.

Translated Excerpt:

"Prison officers presented the suspect in the dock. The magistrate asked the suspect if he had bail, to which he replied no. The magistrate then questioned the prison officers on why the suspect was brought without a court order. The prison officers made a statement, which I did not hear. At that moment, I saw a tall individual take something from behind his coat and aim at Sanjeewa. I heard approximately five gunshots. The shooter then placed the pistol on the ground and exited through the door."

End of Translated Excerpt.

Further evidence examination has been postponed to the 27th of this month.

In addition, Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali ordered that three other suspects arrested in connection with the Assassination of Ganemulle Sanjeewa case be remanded until March 7th.

Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kadanarachchi, suspected of carrying out the shooting, and the van driver who allegedly assisted his escape, are being further detained and questioned under detention orders.

Senior Counsel Ajith Pathirana, representing the suspected shooter, requested that the two detained suspects not be taken to any location without court permission.

Lawyers reminded the court that permission was granted last Friday for two lawyers to meet the suspects.

Counsel requested that the investigation officers be instructed to continue implementing the order in the same manner.

Additionally, Senior Counsel Ajith Pathirana requested the court to direct the judicial medical officer's attention to the internal ear injury sustained by the suspected shooter.