Gunman who killed underworld boss Ganemulla Sanjeewa in Colombo court arrested. Read full details here.
Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a shocking turn of events, police have arrested the prime suspect in the assassination of notorious underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, who was gunned down inside a Colombo court complex earlier today. The gunman, identified as 34-year-old Asman Sheriffdeen, was apprehended in the Palaviya area of Puttalam following an extensive manhunt.
Courtroom Execution: How the Assassination Unfolded
The daring murder occurred within the Hulftsdorp court complex when Ganemulla Sanjeewa was testifying in court number 05 regarding a case related to his remand. Sheriffdeen, who had disguised himself as a lawyer, managed to smuggle in a firearm hidden inside a Code of Criminal Procedure book. As soon as Sanjeewa took the witness stand, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him.
Despite being rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, Sanjeewa succumbed to his injuries. The brutal killing sent shockwaves across the country, raising serious concerns about security lapses within the judicial system.
Who Was Ganemulla Sanjeewa?
Ganemulla Sanjeewa was a well-known underworld kingpin with a long history of criminal activities. He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) upon his return from Nepal on September 13, 2023. Following his capture, authorities transferred him to Boossa Prison under high-security conditions in June last year, as per the orders of the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court.
This morning, prison officials escorted him to the Hulftsdorp court complex for legal proceedings, unaware that an assassination plot was in motion.
The Assassin: A Former Military Operative?
Authorities have confirmed that Asman Sheriffdeen is a former member of the Sri Lanka Army’s elite Commando Regiment. His advanced combat training likely played a key role in the precision and execution of the hit.
Investigators suspect that Sheriffdeen may have been hired by rival underworld factions seeking to silence Sanjeewa permanently. Further inquiries are underway to determine the mastermind behind the attack.
Security Breach: How Did a Gun Enter the Courtroom?
The fact that Sheriffdeen managed to enter the courtroom with a concealed firearm has raised major security concerns. Authorities are now probing how such a severe breach could have occurred within a high-security environment.
Legal experts and law enforcement officials have demanded immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Some have suggested implementing stricter security checks for all individuals entering court premises, including lawyers and witnesses.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following the shooting, police launched a massive operation to track down the suspect. Within hours, Sheriffdeen was arrested in Palaviya, Puttalam, bringing a swift end to the initial phase of the investigation.
Authorities are now interrogating him to uncover potential connections to organized crime networks. Further arrests may follow as the probe deepens.
Public Outrage and Legal Repercussions
The assassination of an underworld leader inside a courtroom has left the public in shock. Many are questioning how such a brazen act could have been carried out within what should have been one of the most secure locations in the country.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Bar Association has urged the government to take immediate steps to enhance courtroom security and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Future Implications
The murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa and the subsequent arrest of his assassin have set the stage for a major crackdown on criminal networks operating in Sri Lanka. Law enforcement agencies are now under immense pressure to dismantle the underworld syndicates responsible for orchestrating violent crimes.
With investigations ongoing, authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days regarding any additional suspects involved in the conspiracy.
10 FAQs About the Ganemulla Sanjeewa Murder Case
- Who was Ganemulla Sanjeewa?
Ganemulla Sanjeewa was a notorious underworld leader involved in organized crime in Sri Lanka. - Where did the assassination take place?
The murder occurred inside court number 05 at the Hulftsdorp court complex in Colombo. - Who is the suspect in the murder?
The gunman has been identified as 34-year-old Asman Sheriffdeen. - How did the suspect smuggle a weapon into the courtroom?
Sheriffdeen disguised himself as a lawyer and hid the firearm inside a legal book. - What was the motive behind the assassination?
Authorities suspect underworld rivalries may have led to the killing. - When was Ganemulla Sanjeewa arrested prior to his death?
He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on September 13, 2023. - What action has the police taken?
The police launched an immediate investigation and arrested the suspect in Puttalam. - What security measures are being considered after this incident?
Officials are proposing stricter security checks in court premises. - Was the suspect connected to any law enforcement agencies?
Yes, he was a former member of the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment. - What are the possible legal repercussions following this case?
Authorities may introduce new laws to prevent similar incidents and strengthen courtroom security.