New Efforts to Hold Trials Outside Court Following Shooting at Colombo Court Complex

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Security has announced that efforts are being made to conduct trials involving organized criminals outside of the court.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that key discussions on the matter are set to take place with the Ministry of Justice.

Yesterday, a shooting inside the No. 5 Magistrate Courtroom at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex in Colombo resulted in the death of organized criminal Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne alias "Ganemulle Sanjeewa."

Minister Wijepala confirmed that security personnel were present at the scene but emphasized that officers are not permitted to use firearms within the court premises.

He also explained that security personnel are not searched when entering the court.

The Minister assured that measures will be introduced in the future to improve the process of screening individuals entering the court premises.

Public security measures will also be strengthened based on information provided by intelligence agencies.

Meanwhile, the Department of Prisons has launched a special investigation into the shooting. Preliminary investigations are being conducted by the Colombo Remand Prison.

The suspect who killed "Ganemulle Sanjeewa" was arrested last evening in Palaviya, Puttalam, by Special Task Force officers.

He is currently in the custody of the Colombo Crimes Division.

Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manatunga said that another woman involved in the crime has been identified.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend her.