In a shocking turn of events, Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, a prominent gang leader in Sri Lanka, was shot dead in a Colombo courthouse by a gunman impersonating a lawyer. According to police, the assailant used a revolver smuggled inside a hollowed-out book, brought in by a female accomplice who is still at large. Sanjeewa, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was facing multiple murder charges and had been in custody since September 2023.
Courtroom Assassination: Notorious Gang Leader Shot Dead by Disguised Gunman
Courtroom Assassination: Notorious Gang Leader Shot Dead by Disguised Gunman
A major incident of gang violence unfolded in a Sri Lankan courthouse as a disguised assailant shot and killed a notorious gang leader.
Once present in court, a dozen police officers escorted him, but despite security measures, he was shot and rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The gunman managed to escape but was later apprehended by authorities, who have named him differently according to various reports. Meanwhile, the female suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi, prompting police to issue a notice offering a reward for information leading to her capture. Officials have also detained a police officer and a driver believed to have aided in the incident.
As the violence between rival gangs continues to escalate, lawmakers are addressing the critical issue in parliament, with calls for stronger measures to combat gang-related activities. Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reiterated the government's commitment to tackling organized crime, while security concerns within the courthouse are being revisited, leading to new protocols that include the deployment of armed guards during specific court proceedings.
The incident has amplified concerns regarding the safety of public places, especially as this year alone, nine fatalities have been reported due to gang violence across Sri Lanka, underlining the urgency of the situation.
The gunman managed to escape but was later apprehended by authorities, who have named him differently according to various reports. Meanwhile, the female suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi, prompting police to issue a notice offering a reward for information leading to her capture. Officials have also detained a police officer and a driver believed to have aided in the incident.
As the violence between rival gangs continues to escalate, lawmakers are addressing the critical issue in parliament, with calls for stronger measures to combat gang-related activities. Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reiterated the government's commitment to tackling organized crime, while security concerns within the courthouse are being revisited, leading to new protocols that include the deployment of armed guards during specific court proceedings.
The incident has amplified concerns regarding the safety of public places, especially as this year alone, nine fatalities have been reported due to gang violence across Sri Lanka, underlining the urgency of the situation.
