Bharatha Premachandra killing: suspects further remanded till September 4

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Acting Additional Magistrate Kusalani AG Punchihewa yesterday further remanded the suspects who were taken into custody by the CID in connection with the assassination of Presidential Trade Union Advisor and former Colombo District Parliamentarian Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra till September 4.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducting investigations into the assassination of Premachandra earlier submitted a statement obtained from MP Duminda Silva, who is warded at Elizebeth Hospital in Singapore, along with a medical report about his medical condition before court.

President’s Counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya watching the interests of MP Duminda Silva submitted that his client has to undergo another surgery at the end of this month.

CID ASP Shani Abeysekera who appeared for the prosecution with Chief Inspector Ranga Lamahewa submitted to court that Duminda Silva’s statement and the medical report had been forwarded to the Attorney General in order to obtain his advise.

The special CID team. deployed by the CID DIG Jayantha Kulathilaka had recovered two T56 weapons, two pistols and two revolvers and questioned 37 persons including security personnel who were present at the scene on the day of the incident.

President’s Counsel Thirantha Walaliyadda with Arju Premaratne appeared for some of the suspects.