Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) yesterday (7) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that nine high-profile organised criminals have been directly linked to the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, according to facts uncovered during the investigation.

This was revealed when the case was recalled before Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, where an updated report on the progress of investigations was submitted.

Five suspects currently in remand custody were produced before court via Skype from the Boossa Prison, while three male suspects and two female suspects—remanded over aiding the escape of the 15th suspect, Ishara Sewwandi—were produced in open court by prison officers.

The investigating officer informed the court that statements had been recorded from several suspects in remand and under detention. Based on these statements, it has been revealed that six organised criminals were directly involved in murdering Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside the court complex.

These individuals have been named as suspects 28 to 36 in the case. Of the nine organised criminals identified, four are currently detained and under interrogation, while four others are believed to be overseas and evading arrest. Investigations are underway to apprehend them.

Another suspect is currently in remand custody in connection with a separate case handled by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division. The investigating officer requested that this suspect be produced before the court on the next date.

The officer further informed the court that oversight of suspects in detention is carried out by the Fort Magistrate and that relevant reports are submitted to both the Fort Magistrate and the Aluthkade No. 8 Magistrate’s Court.

As investigations are ongoing, the officer requested that the suspects be returned to remand custody. After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate ordered that all suspects be remanded until 21 November and directed investigators to immediately arrest the suspects who are overseas and produce them before court.

The case will be taken up again on 21 November.