Gunman Confesses to Contract Killing of Underworld Leader Ganemulla Sanjeewa

 A suspect arrested in connection with the assassination of the notorious drug trafficker and criminal gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” has confessed to executing the murder for a contract worth Rs. 15 million, police sources disclosed.

According to the interrogation, the suspect revealed that the killing was orchestrated by underworld figures identified by their aliases: “Kehelbaddara Padme,” “Commando Salinda,” and “Avishka.” The accused further disclosed that he had been receiving Rs. 200,000 fortnightly as part of the deal.

Shooter's Identity and Execution of the Crime

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament that the suspect’s proper name is Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi, a resident of Dambahena Road, Maharagama. Earlier, he was identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Azman Sheriffdeen.

The suspect admitted that he received the firearm inside the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court No. 05 from a female accomplice, 25-year-old Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi, a resident of Katuwellegama, Negombo. He then concealed the weapon in his waist before fatally shooting Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside the courtroom.

Escape Plan and Capture

Following the assassination, the gunman fled the scene using a rental vehicle booked via a ride-hailing app, as a pre-arranged getaway vehicle failed to arrive. Upon reaching a location near Negombo, he and the female accomplice purchased new clothes before renting a van to travel to Kalpitiya, intending to flee to India.

Further investigations revealed that a criminal known as “Avishka” had provided him with fake identification documents. The suspect also admitted to being involved in the recent double murder in Watarappala, Mount Lavinia.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that the shooter and a van driver who assisted him have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as investigations continue. A report was submitted to the court regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, police are seeking public assistance in locating Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi. Her grandmother has claimed that she has not returned home for an extended period. Investigators found that after the murder, Sewwandi called an officer at the Negombo Police Station, where she was required to report monthly due to a previous drug-related offense. She allegedly informed the officer of her plans to travel to Dubai, prompting the officer to warn her that she could not leave the country without a court order.

Police urge anyone with information about Sewwandi’s whereabouts to contact:

071-8591727 – Director, Colombo Crimes Division

071-8591735 – OIC, Colombo Crimes Division