Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya revealed today (22 February) that authorities had received reports of security threats against alleged drug kingpin ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’ who was fatally shot at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex.

Weerasuriya made this statement in response to a journalist’s question during a special media briefing at the Department of Government Information.

“We received intelligence indicating threats, but it did not specifically mention a shooting in Colombo. A week before the incident, when Sanjeewa was due to appear at the Gampaha court, we acted on the information by instructing the court proceedings to be cancelled and the evidence presented virtually. This precaution ensured that Sanjeewa did not appear in person and avoided any potential danger that day,” said Weerasuriya.

The Acting IGP confirmed that investigations are underway to determine why Sanjeewa was presented in court on the day of the fatal shooting, despite the threats. However, he declined to confirm whether the authorities received information about the attack from the same group allegedly operating from Dubai.

Weerasuriya also emphasized that while intelligence had been received, it had not been directly linked to the arrest of the attacker. He noted that standard security measures, including roadblocks, played a significant role in apprehending the suspect.

The Acting IGP further dismissed claims made by SJB MP Rohana Bandara regarding the involvement of a woman in the plot, refuting earlier intelligence reports that suggested a female accomplice’s involvement.