Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala briefed the Parliament today on the progress of investigations into the recent shootings in Middeniya and Colombo.
Addressing the Parliament, Minister Wijepala said the shootings were a result of disputes between various underworld gangs.
He further assured that national security has not been affected due to the recent shootings.
Ganemulla Sanjeewa shooting;
Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the main shooter was arrested within 08 hours of the shooting.
Stating that the Police are conducting investigations into the shooting, he further commended the Police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect.
The minister said that a Police Constable has also been arrested for assisting the suspects involved in the shooting.
Revealing details on the shooter, the minister said that he had escaped using a three-wheeler taxi service and had gotten off in Pettah, where he had discarded a bag with clothing.
He further said that the female suspect had arrived in another vehicle at the court premises and that investigations were underway to apprehend her.
Investigations into the van used by the shooter to flee to Puttalam have been inspected by the Police, with a probe underway into the ownership.
The Motor Traffic Department inspected the chassis and engine of the vehicle, during which it was found to have used a fake number plate, he said.
Further investigations have found that the shooter and female suspect had stayed at a lodge in Kaduwela before the shooting, with the place being inspected by the Police and CCTV footage showing a white colour car dropping off a parcel.
A person had arrived in a white colour car and had handed over a parcel to the suspects, which is suspected to have contained the firearm and lawyer attires used to carry out the crime, the minister revealed.
Minister Ananda Wijepala further said that statements have been recorded from various persons, including Police and military officers on duty at the courts at the time of the incident.
The minister also clarified that this was not the first shooting inside a courthouse as claimed by the opposition.
He assured that the government was taking the matter seriously and was addressing the rise in crime.
Minister Ananda Wijepala emphasized that national security was not at risk, pointing out that such incidents had occurred in the past as well. (Newswire)