The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the mother and brother of a fugitive female suspect linked to the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” to be remanded until 7 March 2025.
The suspects, Sesathpura Devage Samanthi and her younger brother, Pinpura Devage Chamidu Thiwanka Weerasinghe, were arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on 25 February and presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali.
Police informed the court that the two had prior knowledge of the assassination and had deliberately concealed crucial information. Investigations revealed that before the shooting, the wanted female suspect had sent a message to her brother from the shooter’s Messenger account stating, “Sanjeewa will be shot near the court.” Following the attack, another message confirmed, “The job is done.”
Further inquiries revealed that the fugitive suspect had transferred money using her mother’s bank account and later used the same account to purchase clothes in Negombo after the murder.
Meanwhile, police have sought public assistance in locating the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi, a resident of 243/01, Negombo Road, Jaya Mawatha, Katuwellegama. She holds National Identity Card (NIC) number 995892480V.
