The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that it intends to seek a 90-day detention order under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against Attorney-at-Law Thamara Abeyrathna, who is currently being held and interrogated over alleged assistance provided to the gunman and to Ishara Sewwandi in connection with the murder of organised criminal figure “Ganemulla Sanjeewa.”
Abeyrathna, who was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the suspects, is presently being questioned under a 72-hour detention order. The CID told Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that upon the expiry of the current order, steps will be taken—with the approval of the Defence Ministry—to obtain a 90-day extension for further interrogation.
The CID further revealed that its investigation into the main suspect, Kehlebaddara Padme, who remains in custody, has uncovered new evidence indicating the involvement of several individuals, including five actresses alleged to have maintained close associations with Padme.
According to the CID’s submissions, Abeyrathna is suspected of having assisted the gunman who carried out the shooting, enabling him to enter the court premises by impersonating a lawyer. Investigations have revealed that she had allegedly provided the shooter with two lawyer’s ties, her own attorney ID card to prepare a forged one, two copies of the Penal Code, and a vehicle sticker used by lawyers.
Officers also stated that Abeyrathna had extended legal support to Padme in his ongoing court cases and that steps are being taken to examine her bank accounts to trace any suspicious financial transactions.
Considering the CID’s submissions, the court granted permission to inspect several of the suspect lawyer’s bank records and directed the CID to submit a progress report on the investigation to the court on 11 November.
