The Police Terrorism Investigation Unit has arrested Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary and former Minister Duminda Dissanayake in connection with a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle that was allegedly concealed in a residence at the Havelock City super luxury housing complex in Colombo.
The arrest follows the earlier detention of the former minister’s personal cook, who reportedly transported the firearm to Dissanayake’s residence at Havelock City. According to police sources, the suspect, under interrogation, stated that the weapon was given to him directly by the former minister. He further claimed he had been instructed to deliver the firearm to a 68-year-old woman residing on the 19th floor of the same housing complex.
Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has confirmed that the case has now been formally handed over to the Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) for further examination.
Investigators have determined that the T-56 weapon had been assembled using separate components. The firearm, composed of four distinct parts, has since been submitted to the Government Analyst for an official report.
Authorities stated that the cook will be subjected to extensive questioning. Based on the information obtained, police have proceeded to arrest former Minister Dissanayake for further inquiry into the case.
Preliminary findings indicate that the weapon was brought into the Havelock City housing complex approximately six months ago—shortly after the current government initiated a program to collect firearms from licensed holders.
However, police also confirmed that the weapon lacks any official license, and no records have been found regarding its origin or source.
Further investigation revealed that the 68-year-old woman, identified as a close family friend of Dissanayake, agreed to keep the bag containing the weapon due to the trust between the families. It has come to light that she was unaware of the true contents of the bag, believing it to contain a toy gun.
The situation unraveled when the woman’s niece noticed the weapon near the housing complex’s elevator. A security officer subsequently examined it, and despite initial claims from the woman that it was a toy, the officer recognized it as a high-grade T-56 assault rifle and promptly notified the police.
The discovery triggered the current investigation, ultimately leading to the arrests.
Source: Divaina
