Akuregoda gunman identified - Politicians named by Padme will be revealed soon - Minister of Public Security

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala states that one of the shooters involved in the incident where a lawyer and his wife were shot dead in a Keells Supermarket car park in the Akuregoda area, and a person who provided them with transport facilities, have now been identified. The Minister revealed this while making a special statement in Parliament today (20), and further mentioned that necessary steps have already been taken to arrest the suspects.

The main suspect who fired a revolver in this double murder has been identified as Rubert Suresh, residing at No. 102/9, Pansala Road, Meewela, Rukgahawela, and extensive investigations are underway to arrest him. In addition, Sanoj Kokila Liyanarachchi, who is said to have transported and provided firearms to the shooters for committing the crime, has already been arrested. Wanniarachchi's Sihina Dilsara, a resident of Paranacoloniya, Ethkandura, Galle, who owns the motor car bearing registration number KW 8733 that brought the shooters to the hideout before the murder, has also been identified, and investigations have been launched to arrest him and seize the said vehicle.

The motor car bearing registration number KI 7738, directly involved in the crime, has been taken into police custody after being set on fire and destroyed in the Baddegama area. Furthermore, investigators have succeeded in seizing the vehicle bearing registration number KS 8987, which was used to transport the firearms required for the murder, in the Kottawa area.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Security informed Parliament through his statement that information has also been revealed regarding a group of politicians who maintained close ties with several underworld criminals. These facts came to light during extensive investigations conducted through 30 mobile phones found in the possession of several suspects, including Kehelbaddara Pathme, after their arrest. Accordingly, Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that an investigation has already been launched into the relevant politicians and their statements are being recorded, and a clear statement will be made regarding the matter after the completion of those investigations.