Opposition to question on the real identity of Hulftsdorp court complex killer?

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

The Opposition is expected to question the real identity of the killer who shot Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside Hulftsdorp Courts, an opposition MP told Daily Mirror yesterday.  MP Dayasiri Jayasekera told Daily Mirror that the question is likely to be raised on the issue in the wake of disclosure that the suspect had identified himself with different names.  

The Public Security Minister and Police Spokesman came up with different names when they referred to the suspect during the last few days.  “The suspect who was arrested over the shooting incident at the Hulftsdorp Courts complex has been identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi from Maharagama, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said in Parliament yesterday.  

He told Parliament that investigations revealed that the suspect is involved in several killings which were reported over the last few weeks.  

The Minister said investigations are continuing into the incident and that investigations have been launched into a suspect woman as well.  He said the driver of the van in which the suspect was travelling was also arrested. Meanwhile Police said yesterday that the suspect had appeared under several names and he was also revealed as 34-year-old Mohamed Azman Sherifdeen.  

Chief Government Whip and Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said the suspect has several aliases. “His identity lawyer’s identity card bears the name Kodikarage Kasun K Prabath Nissanka, the Minister said.  

He said there is a possibility of the suspect using other names as well.  Asked whether the Opposition would seek a debate in Parliament on the issue, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said it would be a difficult task to take up a debate as the budget debate will continue till end March.