Female lawyer linked to Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder– CID tells court

By Bhagya Silva

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that it intends to obtain a 90-day detention order against the female lawyer arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. An investigating officer appearing on behalf of the CID made this submission while presenting a report on the investigations carried out regarding the main suspect in the case, Kehelbaddara Padme.

The officer stated that, based on the interrogation of Kehelbaddara Padme, it had been revealed that attorney-at-law Thamara Abeyrathne had assisted and supported the shooter involved in the killing, leading to her arrest.

The CID further informed the court that the suspect has been held in custody for 72 hours for questioning and that, following the expiry of that period, steps will be taken through the Ministry of Defence to seek approval for a further 90-day detention order.

According to the CID, investigations have uncovered that the arrested lawyer had facilitated the prime suspect shooter’s entry into the court premises by helping him pose as an attorney. It was revealed that she had provided him with two lawyers’ ties and allowed the preparation of a forged lawyer’s identity card using her own professional ID.

Investigators also informed the court that the suspect lawyer had given the shooter two copies of the Penal Code and a lawyer’s vehicle sticker to further support his disguise. 

They further revealed that the lawyer had previously assisted Kehelbaddara Padme with legal support in his court cases and that steps are now being taken to examine her bank accounts.

The CID also disclosed that five actors who had been associated with Kehelbaddara Padme have come under investigation in connection with the case.

Accordingly, the investigating officer sought court approval to obtain several bank account records necessary for the ongoing probe.

After considering the submissions, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered the CID to report the progress of the investigation to court on November 07.