Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was arrested in connection with the possession of a gold and silver-plated T56 assault rifle, has been remanded until May 29.
The order was issued today (May 24) by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court following his production before the court.
Dissanayake was taken into custody yesterday by the Police Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), which is conducting investigations into the ownership of the gold-plated T56 firearm discovered at the Havelock City luxury apartment complex. He was arrested while staying at a residence in the Thimbirigasyaya area.
This arrest marks the latest in a series of legal actions involving high-profile political figures. Four former ministers who served in previous administrations are currently in remand custody on various charges.
Among them, former Minister Mervyn Silva—who served under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration—and former Minister Prasanna Ranaweera—who held office under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government—have been remanded over a land deal in the Kelaniya area.
Additionally, former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Keheliya Rambukwella, who held cabinet portfolios under both the Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe governments, are also currently in remand custody.
Aluthgamage is being held in connection with the controversial import of Chinese fertilizer valued at USD 6.9 million, while Rambukwella is remanded over his alleged involvement in the importation of substandard medicines into the country.
