The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) states that a member of a criminal gang involved in multiple murders has been arrested in possession of a state-of-the-art firearm capable of firing two bullets at the same time.
According to the police, the millimeter-sized firearm, which was manufactured in Abu Dhabi, along with three live bullets, has been taken into police custody.
The arrested suspect is identified as a close associate of Sirinatha Pathiranahennalage Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, alias Dematagoda Chamindanamatha, a notorious drug trafficker and organized criminal currently held in the high-security section of Boossa Prison under a death sentence, police said.
Police further stated that the suspect was arrested at his residence in Samagipura, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15, following information received by the Officer-in-Charge of the Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division. The tip-off indicated that the suspect was in possession of a sophisticated pistol firearm, and details regarding the weapon were revealed during interrogation.
Based on instructions provided by the suspect, police recovered the firearm buried inside a bag concealed in the jungle area behind the Sameetpura Sports Ground in Mattakkuliya.
Police emphasized that the unique feature of this firearm is its ability to fire two bullets simultaneously, adding that such a weapon has not previously been used by security forces in Sri Lanka.
When questioned about how he acquired the firearm, the suspect informed investigators that it had been supplied through his brother, known as “Chappa,” who is currently residing overseas.
Police also revealed that the arrested individual is the primary suspect in the shooting deaths of criminal gang members known as “Chooty Ukkung” and “Anamalu Ranga,” which occurred in the Mattakkuliya area.
In addition, the Illegal Assets Investigation Division is conducting a separate investigation into the suspect regarding the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 20 million, police said.
The suspect is 37 years old.
The investigation is being carried out under the direction of the Officer-in-Charge of the Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division of the CID, Inspector Manoj Gayannage, along with Sub-Inspector Liyanage, Police Sergeants Mahesh (10033), Gamage (49473), Chamara (67785), and Police Constables Madawala (85151), Kumara (104597), and Perera (97469).
