22.02.2025 11:00
Ganemulla Sanjeewa, who was on trial for multiple murder charges in Sri Lanka, was shot and killed in court at close range. A woman, who was his accomplice, smuggled the weapon into the courtroom inside a hollowed-out book and handed it to a fake lawyer. As the attacker fled, they told others in the courthouse, "There is a conflict inside."
Ganemulla Sanjeewa, who is on trial for multiple murder charges in Sri Lanka, was shot at close range. It was reported that in a court in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a female accomplice smuggled a gun into the courtroom inside a hollowed-out book and handed it to a fake lawyer.
As the attacker fled, he told others in the courthouse, "there's a shootout inside."
The attacker was caught, but the female suspect, Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi (25), was still at large last night.
A police officer and a minibus driver were also arrested on suspicion of assisting the duo.
The police stated that the attacker used a gun that was smuggled in by the still-at-large female suspect inside a hollowed-out book.
Sanjeewa was taken to the hospital but later died.
This attack is one of a series of murders between rival gangs in Colombo, despite authorities claiming to have taken strict measures against gang violence.
Sanjeewa had been in custody since his arrest in September 2023.
Lawmakers in the country have indicated that gang violence is a "significant issue."
Health and Mass Communication Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated on Wednesday that the government would "take the actions of organized underground gangs seriously."
Additionally, authorities are forced to review the security of courthouse buildings following this latest murder. This will include the presence of armed guards, especially in situations where dangerous or targeted individuals are present in court.
According to police data, at least nine people have died in armed attacks linked to gang rivalry this year.