The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is seeking the help of the public to trace the suspects involved in the double murder which took place in the Kotakethana area in Kahawatta between January 31 and February 2.

The victims, a mother and daughter, were identified as Kavindya Chathuranganie (19) and Nayana Nilmini (52). Several police teams under the direction of the senior DIG in charge of the Sabaragamuwa Province have been deployed into the area.

Meanwhile the head of the newly formed Central Unit for Crime Analysis C.S.K. Mallawithana and his team is in the area on the directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K Illangakone.

The CID has also deployed two teams into the area to assist the police teams. The elite Special Task Force (STF) was deployed immediately after the incident to ensure security in the area. .

Their bodies were found in a forest area in Opatha after a prolonged search operation which was carried out in the area.

The public has been asked to provide any information with regard to the incident, to the CID by contacting the following: 232-8138 and 242-2176. (Supun Dias)