Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case: Court to hear petition filed by Osman’s son

16-Jul-2026

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The Court of Appeal has decided to hear a writ petition filed by businessman Shehan Gunasekara seeking an order preventing the Colombo Crime Division from arresting him in connection with the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.

Accordingly, the Court of Appeal ordered the Director of the Colombo Crime Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Indika Lokuhhetti and other respondents named in the petition to appear before court on September 3 and submit explanations.

The order was issued when the petition was taken up before a bench comprising Court of Appeal Judges Shashi Mahendran and Adithya Balapatabendi.

Shehan Gunasekara of Imbulgoda, Gampaha, had filed the writ petition through Attorney-at-Law Amila Kumar.

In his petition, he stated:

“I am a businessman. My father was arrested in connection with the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa and is currently being investigated under a detention order.

On May 13, officers who searched my father’s residence recovered two firearms. Although those firearms have valid licences, misleading reports were published in the media stating that illegal weapons had been found.

Meanwhile, I was informed to appear before the Colombo Crime Division and provide a statement. Accordingly, I appeared before the division on several occasions and gave statements.

During the questioning, officers asked whether I had maintained connections with ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, who was in Thailand, and conducted inquiries in an intimidating manner.

In such circumstances, there is a possibility that I may be arrested by the police at any time. Therefore, I request the court to issue an order preventing such an arrest.”