PS murder suspects netted within 72 hours
CHAMIKARA WEERASINGHE
Neighbours shot dead Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha member Hasitha
Madawala, Police said, adding they are yet to establish the motive of PS
member’s murder. Five suspects in connection with the murder, including
the main suspect have been arrested by the police -- within 72 hours of
the incident.
Police spokesman SSP Prishantha Jayakody said the Criminal
Investigation Department arrested the prime suspect in the Pradeshiya
Sabha
member's murder at Bandaranaike International Airport when he was
trying to leave the country for Singapore.
Four other suspects involved in the murder were arrested based on
information gathered by police after interrogating the main suspect, SSP
Jayakody said.
UPFA Pradeshiya Sabha member Madawala was shot dead with a 9
millimeter pistol near his home at Waragoda, Kelaniya, on December 5 at
about 7.30 pm. The suspect had arrived on a motor bike.
UPFA General Secretary and Health Minister Maithreepala Sirisena in a
letter to the Inspector General of Police requested an impartial inquiry
into the incident. Madawala had reportedly taken a strong stand to curb
systematic corruption and irregularities in the Kelaniya Pradeshiya
Sabha -- before he was gunned down.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid his last respects to the slain PS
member on Monday.
Asked if there had been any politics or politicians behind the
assassination of Hasitha Madawala, SSP Jayakody said , they are yet to
establish motive.
The suspects are from the same area of Kelaniya and Kiribathgoda, he
said.
"They used to be neighbours," he said. |