By Indunil Kahatapitiya
The body of a Chinese national who was abducted following a violent clash involving a group of Chinese nationals inside the Colombo Port City has been discovered in a forest in the Karandana area of Eheliyagoda.
Police have also arrested two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in the incident near Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, while they were allegedly attempting to flee the country.
Armed Attack During Late-Night Fishing
According to police investigations, three Chinese nationals were fishing from the suspension bridge inside the Port City premises during the early hours of the morning. They had arrived at the location in a hired cab.
Between 2.00 a.m. and 3.00 a.m., a group of 15 to 20 armed Chinese nationals, wearing face coverings, arrived at the scene in a black van and another vehicle.
The armed group allegedly threatened the three men at gunpoint, tied their hands and feet, blindfolded them, and assaulted them. Two of the victims were placed in one van and later abandoned, while the third, identified as Hao Song, was forced into another vehicle and abducted.
The two victims who were left inside the van managed to free themselves and reported the incident to the Colombo Port Police through friends. They were later found near a parking area within the Port City with injuries and have since been admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
During a search of the abandoned van, police recovered an air pistol and a communication device.
Body Found During Illegal Liquor Raid
Police launched an extensive search operation to locate Hao Song after the abduction.
Meanwhile, officers from the Eheliyagoda Police, who were conducting a raid on illegal liquor in the Karandana Gatetukade area, noticed a suspicious pile of stones in a nearby forest. Upon closer inspection, they discovered part of a human hand protruding from beneath the rocks.
Further examination revealed the body of the abducted Chinese national.
Police also found a suspicious vehicle parked near the scene and suspect it may have been used to transport the victim’s body.
Two Suspects Arrested Near Airport
Police immediately launched a large-scale investigation into the abduction and murder.
According to Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wutler, two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in the crime were arrested near Bandaranaike International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave Sri Lanka.
The suspects have been handed over to the Coastal Police Division for further questioning. Police said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the incident.
The motive behind the violent attack has not yet been established.
Chinese Embassy Issues Urgent Statement
The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that it is paying close attention to the incident and has formally requested the Sri Lanka Police to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation to establish the facts without delay.
The Embassy also urged Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the safety, lawful rights, and interests of Chinese citizens living in the country.
In addition, the Embassy advised Chinese nationals residing in Sri Lanka to remain vigilant, prioritize their personal safety, and immediately report any emergencies to the police while seeking assistance from the Embassy when necessary.
Police investigations are continuing, with the Colombo Port Police and several specialized police teams working to determine the motive behind the abduction and murder and to identify all those responsible.
