The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (31) informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that it intends to detain and question attorney Thamara Abeyratne for a further 90 days, after she was earlier arrested and questioned for 72 hours on suspicion of aiding and abetting the shooter and Ishara Sewwandi, both allegedly linked to the murder of organized criminal Ganemulla Sanjeewa at a Colombo court premises.
The CID made the submission through a progress report filed before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, outlining the latest developments in the ongoing investigation into the incident and the alleged involvement of Abeyratne.
Investigating officers told the court that Abeyratne was taken into custody based on statements made by main suspect Kehelbaddara Padme, and is accused of assisting the gunman who carried out the fatal shooting. According to the CID, the lawyer allegedly helped the shooter enter the court premises disguised as an attorney.
The report stated that Abeyratne had provided the shooter with two lawyer’s ties, her own lawyer’s identification card to prepare a fake ID, and two copies of the Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as a sticker used for lawyers’ vehicles.
The CID further informed the court that Abeyratne had previously appeared a case related to Padme and had allegedly facilitated communication and logistical arrangements linked to the murder plot.
Investigating officers said Abeyratne was being detained for 72 hours under a detention order and questioned, adding that they now seek to extend her detention by 90 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with the approval of the Ministry of Defence.
The CID also revealed that investigations are continuing into five actresses who allegedly maintained close relationships with suspect Padme, as new evidence has emerged during questioning.
The department sought and obtained court permission to examine several of Abeyratne’s bank accounts to verify possible financial links related to the case.
After considering the submissions, Chief Magistrate Bodaragama directed the CID to report the progress of the investigation to court on 11 November.
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