Gunman Asman Sheriffdeen Arrested in Puttalam: Discover how a disguised lawyer smuggled a weapon into court and assassinated underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a courtroom.
The suspect involved in the assassination of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Colombo Court Complex has been arrested in Puttalam’s Palaviya area. This shocking murder, which took place inside a courtroom, has sent shockwaves through the country.
Gunman Arrested in Puttalam
According to police reports, the suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Asman Sheriffdeen, a former member of the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment. His military background adds a new layer of intrigue to this high-profile case. Sheriffdeen disguised himself as a lawyer to gain access to the courtroom, smuggling in a firearm concealed within a Code of Criminal Procedure book.
Dramatic Courtroom Assassination
The assassination occurred inside courtroom number 05, where Ganemulla Sanjeewa had taken the witness stand for a case related to his remand. Sheriffdeen, under the pretense of being a legal professional, executed the shooting at point-blank range.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as the courtroom erupted in panic. The gunman managed to fire multiple shots before security personnel intervened. Ganemulla Sanjeewa, critically injured, was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s Criminal Past
Ganemulla Sanjeewa had been a notorious underworld figure with a long history of criminal activities. He was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake upon returning from Nepal on September 13, 2023. Authorities linked him to several criminal networks, making his assassination a significant event in Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle against organized crime.
After his arrest, Sanjeewa was transferred to Boossa Prison in June last year under the orders of the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court. His court appearance this morning was part of ongoing legal proceedings related to his incarceration.
Murder Weapon Smuggled into Court
The most alarming aspect of this case is how the assassin managed to bypass security checks. Sheriffdeen hid the weapon inside a legal book, exploiting a loophole in courtroom security measures. Investigators are now scrutinizing security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police Investigation Underway
Law enforcement agencies are now investigating possible accomplices and the motive behind the assassination. Given Sanjeewa’s criminal background, officials suspect underworld rivalries may have played a role in orchestrating the hit.
Authorities have also begun questioning whether Sheriffdeen acted alone or if he was merely a hired gun. The fact that he was an ex-commando raises concerns about the involvement of highly trained individuals in criminal activities.
Underworld Retaliation or Law Enforcement Crackdown?
Sri Lanka has witnessed a rise in underworld-related violence, and this incident underscores the dangers of organized crime. While some believe Sanjeewa’s assassination could be part of an underworld power struggle, others argue it reflects the growing effectiveness of law enforcement operations targeting criminal figures.
Courtroom Security Measures to be Reviewed
In the wake of this brazen assassination, officials are calling for a review of courtroom security procedures. Many are questioning how a person disguised as a lawyer could bring a firearm into a high-security location like a court complex.
Legal experts emphasize the need for stricter screening measures for all individuals entering courts, particularly in cases involving high-profile criminals. The government is expected to implement enhanced security protocols to prevent future incidents of this nature.
What Happens Next?
With the suspect now in custody, authorities will focus on uncovering the mastermind behind the assassination. Was it an act of revenge? A premeditated hit ordered by a rival faction? These are some of the questions investigators are working to answer.
Meanwhile, the nation watches closely as the legal process unfolds. The killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa has reignited discussions about Sri Lanka’s criminal underworld, its ties to former military personnel, and the vulnerabilities in law enforcement and judicial security.
10 FAQs for the Article
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Who is Ganemulla Sanjeewa?
- Ganemulla Sanjeewa was a notorious underworld figure involved in various criminal activities in Sri Lanka. He was arrested in September 2023 and was facing legal proceedings related to his involvement in criminal networks.
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How did the assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa take place?
- The assassination occurred inside Colombo’s Court Complex, where the gunman, disguised as a lawyer, smuggled a firearm into the courtroom and shot Sanjeewa at point-blank range.
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Who is the suspect in the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa?
- The suspect has been identified as Asman Sheriffdeen, a 34-year-old former member of the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment.
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Why did the gunman disguise himself as a lawyer?
- Sheriffdeen disguised himself as a lawyer to gain access to the courtroom and bypass security measures, which allowed him to smuggle in the firearm.
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What happened to Ganemulla Sanjeewa after the shooting?
- Sanjeewa was critically injured in the shooting and was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
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How did the gunman manage to bring a weapon into the court?
- The gunman concealed the weapon inside a legal book, exploiting a security loophole in the courtroom.
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What is the motive behind the assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa?
- Investigators are looking into possible underworld rivalries and whether Sheriffdeen acted alone or as part of a larger plot. The motive is still under investigation.
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What are the concerns regarding courtroom security?
- The assassination has raised concerns about the security measures in place at Sri Lankan courts, particularly regarding how a disguised individual was able to smuggle in a firearm.
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What will happen to the suspect, Asman Sheriffdeen?
- Sheriffdeen is currently in police custody. Investigators are working to uncover the mastermind behind the plot and whether Sheriffdeen acted alone.
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How is this incident linked to Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle against organized crime?
- The murder highlights the rising violence linked to underworld activities in Sri Lanka and the vulnerabilities in both the judicial and law enforcement systems.