CID arrest three suspects over murder of millionaire businessman Saman Wijesiri

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of millionaire businessman and engineer Saman Wijesiri who had gone missing since 2018.

Police said the 63-year-old businessman from Chilaw had reportedly disappeared since September 2018. Investigation into the disappearance of Saman Wijesiri was taken charge by the CID following a complaint.

He had over 25 years of experience with the UN as a charted engineer. He had also worked as Technical Engineer at the World Bank Sri Lanka Branch and at the Economic Development Ministry.

Wijesiri had been living in Australia for years and  was married to a Japanese woman there. However, it was reported that he bought several properties in Bingiriya and Chilaw area. He had been living in Chilaw during the time of his disappearance. He also reportedly hired a watchman to look after his property. 

Initial investigation revealed that forged travel documents had been prepared to mislead the investigators that Mr. Wijesri had left the country.

However, further investigations by the Homicide and Organized Crimes Division of the CID led by Chief Inspector Manjula de Silva revealed that the victim was murdered in view to obtain his property by the suspects. The watchman and a friend of Wijesri were also among the arrested.

It was revealed that fabricated documents and a fake power of attorney had been prepared by the suspects to claim ownership of the victim's property.

The suspects were remanded after being produced before the Chilaw Magistrate.

Further investigations are underway under the directions of CID Director and the instructions of DIG Prasad Ranasinghe.