Fugitive Underworld Figure 'Tutu' Linked to Akuregoda Double Murder, Says Public Security Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fugitive organised criminal and drug trafficker known as Tutu has been identified as the individual who directed the murder of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (20) in a special statement.

The Minister revealed that extensive investigations have already begun, with 12 police teams deployed for the case.

He said the vehicle used by the gunmen, bearing registration KI 77 38, was found burned and destroyed in the Baddegama area and subsequently taken into custody. Another vehicle used to deliver firearms to the shooters, KS 89 87, was seized in Kottawa. A third vehicle, KW 87 33, used to bring the gunmen to nan accomadation before the attack, has also been identified, and investigations to take it into custody are underway.

The owner of this third vehicle has been identified as Wanniarachchige Sihina Dilsara of Parana Colony, Athkandura, Galle.

Minister Wijepala said Sanoj Kokila Liyanarachchi, who transported and supplied firearms to the gunmen, has been arrested. A second suspect involved in transporting and providing firearms has also been taken into custody.

A third suspect, Hapuwarachchige Don Dileena Pramodha Apuwarachchi, also known as Dila, had rented out a motor car to the first two suspects to support their transport operations and has now been arrested.

The gunman who carried out the shooting using a revolver-type firearm has been identified as Robert Suresh, residing at No. 102/9, Pansala Road, Meewala, Ruggawila. Extensive investigations are underway to apprehend him.

The Minister said the findings so far confirm that the crime was orchestrated by Uggalla Arachchige Tharidu Madhusanka, an overseas-based organised criminal and drug trafficker known by the alias Tutu.

He added that police teams are continuing wide-ranging investigations to arrest all gunmen connected to the crime.

Commenting further, the Minister said the Akuregoda incident is not isolated, explaining that various clashes occur among numerous organised criminal groups in operation, some active and some inactive. He said conflicts within these groups, especially those linked to drug networks, result in such incidents. While these crimes take place in different locations and are not always inter-connected, investigations have revealed that they fall under broader patterns of underworld criminal activity.