Updates on the Ganemulla Sanjeewa Shooting Incident

On February 19th, the tragic shooting of notorious underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, also known as "Sanjeewa Kumar Samararatne," at the Aluthkade No. 5 Magistrate’s Court took a dramatic turn with new revelations from law enforcement and growing public concern over security lapses.

The Crime: A Carefully Orchestrated Murder

The chilling incident occurred around 10 AM when Sanjeewa, who had been escorted to court from prison, was shot and seriously injured by an assailant disguised as a lawyer. Sanjeewa, who had long been a notorious figure in Sri Lanka’s criminal underworld, was taken to the hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

According to the police, the shooter entered the courthouse dressed in full legal attire, bypassing the security protocols. He was accompanied by a woman who, also disguised as a lawyer, assisted in bringing the weapon—an illicit revolver—into the court. The woman, identified as Isara Sevandi , has links to drug trafficking and is said to have coordinated the murder with a Dubai-based underworld leader known as Mudin Pathmasiri Perera  alias Kehilbaddara Padme.

The Aftermath: Unmasking the Conspiracy

The police, acting swiftly after the shooting, apprehended a suspect believed to have been involved in the crime. The arrested man, Mohammad Asman Sherifdeen, is a former member of the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment and is believed to have played a pivotal role in carrying out the murder. His military training and expertise are thought to have helped him execute the operation without raising suspicion.

In addition to Sherifdeen, the authorities are intensifying their efforts to locate Sevandi, the woman who played a key role in facilitating the crime. A public notice has been issued, urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. The police have also placed a travel ban on her to prevent her from fleeing the country.

Security Failures and Public Outrage

The assassination has raised questions about the security measures in place at courts and other judicial institutions across the country. While it has been confirmed that there were prison and special task force officers assigned to guard Sanjeewa, the fact that the shooter was able to enter the courtroom with a concealed weapon has sparked public outcry.

At a press conference, a police spokesperson revealed that a thorough investigation into the security breach is underway. The spokesperson explained that the shooter, despite being disguised, was allowed to enter the court without a body check—an oversight that led to the tragic event. The authorities have promised to review and enhance security protocols, ensuring that stricter measures are enforced in the future, especially when dealing with high-profile criminal cases.

The incident has prompted calls from the Bar Association and judicial bodies for stricter security procedures, including more rigorous checks for lawyers and judicial staff entering courtrooms. In the wake of this crime, many are demanding an overhaul of court security nationwide to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.

The Underworld Ties: A Growing Network

Further investigations have revealed the depth of the criminal network that led to the murder. Sanjeewa, known for his involvement in organized crime, was allegedly targeted due to his links with rival factions in the underworld. The police suspect that the killing was part of a larger plot orchestrated by underworld figures seeking to eliminate him.

As authorities continue to piece together the puzzle, the involvement of international criminals, particularly the Dubai-based Padma, suggests that the operation was not just a local crime but part of a much broader, transnational underworld operation. The police have stated that they will be coordinating with international law enforcement agencies to track down those involved in planning and financing the murder.

The Road Ahead: Legal and Security Reforms

The assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa has left many shaken, not only due to the violence of the act but also because it exposes critical vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s judicial system. As investigations unfold and new details emerge, the case underscores the growing need for reforms in both security and legal processes to prevent the underworld from exploiting gaps in the system.

While the police continue to chase leads, the public’s trust in the safety of judicial institutions is being tested. Authorities are under pressure to ensure that those behind this crime, as well as others who may be plotting similar actions, are brought to justice. However, the question remains: Will these reforms come in time to prevent future tragedies?

For now, all eyes remain on the ongoing investigations as law enforcement officials and judicial authorities work together to unravel the conspiracy and bring the culprits to justice. The killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the country, and its full impact will likely be felt for years to come.