DNA and photo reports submitted in Ganemulla Sanjeewa assassination case

DNA and photo reports submitted in Ganemulla Sanjeewa assassination case

DNA samples and photographs of the suspect Ishara Sewwandi, who is currently remanded, were sent to the government analyst and the resulting reports were submitted to Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today (21) by the Criminal Investigation Department.

The magistrate ordered the suspects, including Ishara Sewwandi, to be remanded again until September 4 regarding the incident involving the shooting and murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Colombo Magistrates Court.

Presenting further facts, the Colombo Crimes Division stated that the suspect was directed to the government analyst for facial examination on August 17, 2026, during which DNA samples, photographs, and video footage were gathered.

Authorities informed the court that detention orders previously issued for the thirty-second suspect, Batuwatte Chamara, and Gampaha Osman expired on August 13, prompting the acquisition of new ninety-day detention orders.

The Colombo Crimes Division further noted that investigations were conducted concerning the forty-first and forty-second suspects who facilitated the escape of the fifteenth suspect, Ishara Sewwandi, to Mannar via Jaffna, leading to their arrest and current detention under formal orders.

Additionally, Chathu from Mattakkuliya, apprehended in Oman through red notices, remains held under a ninety-day detention order. Statements obtained from the suspect revealed that on February 17, 2025, one day prior to the assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, he visited the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court alongside Ishara Sewwandi for surveillance.

The Crimes Division reported that this inspection was funded by money provided by Kehelbaddara Padme.

Examinations of fake identity cards allegedly prepared by the twenty-eighth suspect, lawyer Tamara Kumari, returned reports from the analyst confirming that the forged documents were utilized to facilitate the crime.

The Colombo Crimes Division also announced that a summary of evidence report regarding the twenty-ninth suspect is being prepared for court alongside ongoing efforts to effect an arrest.

Following the consideration of facts, the magistrate ordered the submission of a supplementary report and remanded the suspects.

Three suspects appeared in open court while the remaining individuals participated via Zoom technology from prison.