Dematagoda Chaminda who is in remand, mastermind behind the Bloemendal shooting ; all 16 suspects arrested

Police Media Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara stated that all 16 suspects including the main suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident - where a group of supporters of Minister Ravi Karunanayake were shot at in Bloemendal Road, Kotahena on the 31st of July.

While addressing a media briefing held at Police headquarters this evening, Police media spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that 8 among them were produced before the relevant Magistrate court today and have been remanded by now.

However, 8 main suspects have been taken into custody by the CID, while investigations with regard to them are currently underway.

He also stated that this was an incident between 2 gangs, which used to act as one gang before, whereas one of the gangs is controlled by Dematagoda Chaminda’s brother – Ruwan.

Police media spokesman added that the mastermind behind the shooting was Dematagoda Chaminda who is currently in remand.

Elaborating on the matter, ASP Ruwan Gunasekara stated that the target was two persons namely ‘Army Sampath’ and ‘Sanka’ - who controlled the rival gang of Dematagoda Chaminda - present in the same location at the time of the incident.

Dematagoda Chaminda was the mastermind behind the shooting, and he controlled the assailants while in prison.

Meanwhile, Police media spokesman also stated that they would request the Attorney General to file indictment against the suspects.

The main suspects who were involved in the shooting incident are Sameera Rasanga alias Sudu, Weerakkodi Ralalage Jude Priyantha alias Juda, Kalutara Vithanage Siriwardena alias Abdeen Jagath and Herath Mudiyanselage Nuwan Mihiranga alias Navy Nuwan.

Meanwhile, the IGP has transferred Police inspector W.D.K.C. Nawaratne who was serving as the Kotahena Police OIC.

In addition, the police media spokesman’s office stated that another 10 OICs have been transferred upon service requirements.