Daily Mirror - Print Edition

Duminda’s bodyguard remanded

12 Oct 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

Parliamentarian Duminda Silva’s official bodyguard who was alleged to have shot former parliamentarian and presidential adviser Baratha Lakshman Premachandra on Election Day at Mulleriyawa was remanded till October 18, pending an identification parade.

Police constable Anura Thushara De Mel attached to the Mirihana Police Station and assigned as Mr. Silva’s official bodyguard was identified at the CID office by Mr. Premachandra’s driver Santha Perera.

The driver alleged that at the time of the tragedy he was driving Mr. Premachandra’s vehicle towards the Angoda junction, with two other cars following them. A convoy of about 20 cars that came from the opposite direction blocked the road opposite the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Library at Walpola.

The driver said Mr. Premachandra who was seated next to the driver, got down from the car while Mr. Silva also got down from his car.

He said an argument ensued between the two when Mr. Silva suddenly slapped Mr. Premachandra who fell down. The driver alleged that Mr. Silva then shot Mr. Premachandra on his head and shouted to his bodyguards asking them to shoot Mr. Premachandra. At that point the bodyguard is alleged to have shot Mr. Premachadra with his T-56 assault rifle.

The CID in its report to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court said they had recovered a T-56 assault rifle issued to the suspect and some used bullets.
Magistrate Prasanna De Alwis directed the CID to produce the suspect for an identification parade next Tuesday. (T.Farook Thajudeen)