Court grants permission to record statement from Dematagoda Chaminda

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today (5) authorised the Colombo Crimes Division to record a statement from Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, also known as 'Dematagoda Chaminda'.

An alleged underworld figure remains held at the Welisara high-security prison in connection with investigations into the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case.

The Magistrate issued this order after considering a request made by the Colombo Crimes Division.

Chief Inspector Kapila Kariyawasam and other officers of the Colombo Crimes Division requested court orders while presenting a further report on the incident.

Investigating officers stated that investigations revealed suspect Tamara Kumari Abeýratne, who is in remand custody after being detained for questioning, acts as the main suspect in the Ganemulla Sanjeeva murder.

She reportedly directed the murder and has been identified as the primary planner. The Colombo Crimes Division further informed the court that Keselbandara Padme, currently held for interrogation, had directed her.

The Colombo Crimes Division noted that she safely brought the first suspect, who was the gunman, and the 15th suspect to the court premises.

She allegedly facilitated their entry by masquerading them as lawyers.

Furthermore, she prepared a law book to conceal the firearm used in the killing.

Investigations revealed that she forged the signature on the lawyer's identity card recovered from the first suspect's possession at the time of his arrest.

The Colombo Crimes Division notified the court that her specimen signature is required to investigate her handwriting.

The first suspect and Keselbandara Padme also maintained connections. Presenting a further report, the Colombo Crimes Division requested that the case be called in chambers to inform the court of matters that cannot be disclosed in open court.

Additionally, on the day of the crime, Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, alias 'Dematagoda Chaminda', was transferred from Boossa Prison to Welisara Prison for a Colombo High Court case. The Colombo Crimes Division requested permission to record a statement from him regarding this incident on 7 June, which the Magistrate granted.

Representing Tamara Kumari Abeýratne, lawyer Ajith Pathirana told the court that despite his client being detained for questioning for six months, only two statements were recorded.

He claimed she faced grave injustice through her detention and that a fair investigation into her statements had not occurred.

He requested the court to call for a summary of evidence regarding her.

The Magistrate subsequently ordered a summary of evidence report concerning the suspect for a future date.

After considering the presented facts, the Magistrate ordered that the suspects currently in prison regarding this incident remain in remand custody until 15 May.

A group of suspects, including the 15th suspect, Ishara Sewwandi, is being detained and questioned under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.