It was revealed in court that the two individuals caught with a sniper rifle near the CID office are commando officers.

The lawyer representing the Sri Lanka Army today revealed before Fort Acting Magistrate Mr. Lahiru Silva that the two suspects arrested with a sniper-type firearm in front of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are officers attached to the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment. The lawyer further informed the court that these two officers were arrested while returning after participating in a special training, and that they possess legal authorization to use firearms.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the court that these officers were arrested yesterday while dressed in civilian clothes, carrying a sniper firearm wrapped in a black cloth, and walking on the road in front of the old Police Headquarters. The police further stated before the court that at that time, the suspects did not possess any documents to confirm their identity.

However, the Acting Magistrate, having considered the facts presented by both parties, ordered the release of the two suspected army officers. The Magistrate also issued orders to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take steps to hand them over to the commanding officer of the relevant army unit.