Acting on a tip-off that some persons wanted for the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickremasekera were hiding in a housing scheme in Kekirawa, police carried out a search in the early hours of yesterday (26) and arrested a man and a woman.
The STF and the Army deployed contingents in support of the police operation. However, one suspect escaped following a scuffle with the police. Police identified him as Hakmana Paranaliyanage Nuwan Tharaka, a resident of Agulugama, Bendipita, Konthapana.
Police released photographs of the suspect requesting public assistance to apperhend him. Anyone with information, regarding the whereabouts of the suspect, could furnish information to the following numbers: Inspector General of Police (WhatsApp): 071 859 8888 and Financial Crimes Investigation Division: 011 233 7162 / 071 859 2087
An unidentified gunman shot Wickremesekera dead in his office on 22 October. Police released CCTV footage of the gunman walking towards Wickremesekara’s office and then fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
Police recovered from the Kekirawa hideout one motorcycle, Rs. 1.2 million in cash, quantities of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”), and equipment used for drug consumption.
In addition, another suspect — a resident of the area who is believed to have aided the group — was also taken into custody.
Police said that the man who escaped during the Kekirawa operation is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with tattoos on his upper right arm reading “ANURADA” in English, and another on his left arm reading “Hithumathe Jeeveethe” in Sinhala letters.