The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has taken over the investigation to probe the killing of a mother and daughter in the Opatha area in Kahawatta.

Their bodies were found in a forest area in Opatha several days ago after a prolonged search operation which was carried out in the area after several days since they went missing.

Sharp injuries were found on their bodies, police media spokesman Ajith Rohana said. Suspects are yet to be identified.

The Kahawatta police have deployed several teams into the area and they are being assisted by the elite Special Task Force (STF) to arrest the suspect or the suspects involved in the brutal killing.

Their funerals were held on Sunday amid a large gathering and under heavy police protection. (Supun Dias)