Ex-JVP military wing leader shot dead

Sandasen Marasinghe

A notorious underworld leader and former JVP military wing leader Neluwe Priyantha, allegedly responsible for 25 murders, was shot dead Sunday evening by the Police Special Task Force in Sooriyawewa when he attempted to open fire at STF personnel.

Police also seized a T-81 firearm and a pistol used by the gang leader to commit crimes.

ASP Sylvester of the STF told the Daily News that the suspect Gurusinghage Priyantha alias Neluwe Priyantha, 45, was a notorious underworld leader in Southern and Uva Provinces since 1989 and was absconding despite two open warrants issued by the Moneragala High Court for his arrest.

ASP Sylvester said that Priyantha was engaged in the cannabis trade and illicit cattle trade in Southern and Uva Provinces.

The STF also stated that it has also been revealed that Priyantha was the former military wing leader of the JVP in 1989 in areas covering Wellavaya, Kuda Oya and Thanamalvila. According to the STF most of those killed by Priyanth were victims who were presumed to have provided information to the forces about his and his colleagues’ whereabouts during that period.

ASP Sylvester also stated that the suspect was arrested at Suriyakanda at 11 am on Sunday by the STF based on information received by STF Intelligence operatives. He added that when interrogated the suspect revealed that the firearms he used to commit crimes were hidden.

The STF officers accompanied the suspect to where he had hidden the firearms.