The suspected gunman responsible for the shocking assassination of notorious drug trafficker and criminal gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” inside the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, has been arrested.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Azman Sheriffdeen, was apprehended in the Palaviya area of Puttalam by the Police Special Task Force (STF) while attempting to flee in a van. His arrest comes hours after the brazen attack that took place within the No. 05 Magistrate’s Court at the Hulftsdorp (Aluthkade Courts Complex).
“Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” a notorious underworld figure, had been remanded at Boosa Prison and was escorted to court for proceedings when he was fatally shot. Authorities have confirmed that he was a suspect in 19 murder cases.
Police investigations revealed that the shooter had entered the court premises disguised as an attorney. The revolver used in the attack had been smuggled in by a female accomplice, who concealed it inside a hollowed-out book.
Following the assassination, the gunman managed to flee the scene. Despite police efforts to secure the area, he escaped through a nearby gate by misleading others about the ongoing shooting. The police immediately launched an investigation, which led to his capture in Puttalam.
Authorities have also identified a woman who allegedly aided in the shooting. According to Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the woman, also disguised as a lawyer, smuggled the firearm into the court complex. She is believed to be a suspected drug dealer from Negombo.
Further investigations have revealed that the suspected gunman is also believed to be responsible for a recent double murder in Watarappala, Dehiwala. The police are now probing possible connections between the two crimes.
The incident has raised concerns over security at the court complex. Despite 12 Special Task Force (STF) personnel being deployed alongside prison officials to escort “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” the attacker was able to carry out the assassination. Authorities are now reviewing security measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), along with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), continues to investigate the case, ensuring that all individuals involved in the attack are brought to justice.
