Murder of underworld leader in courthouse:

Mother of Ishara Sewwandi, who is wanted in connection with the killing of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias ‘Ganemulle Sanjeewa,’ had died while in remand custody in the Welikada Prison, prison sources said yesterday.

She is reported to have suffered a heart attack on 11 July, while being held on charges of aiding and abetting the February killing.

Both mother and the brother of Ishara Sewwandi were arrested earlier this year as part of an ongoing investigation into the high-profile underworld murder. On 26 February, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered them to be remanded.

Sewwandi remains at large, with police unable to trace her whereabouts for over five months.

by Norman Palihawadane