Connection of Sampath Manamperi to Raviraj Assassination Case; Cabinet Spokesman

10-Sep-2025

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Sampath Manamperi, a suspect accused of concealing raw materials in two containers allegedly used for the manufacture of methamphetamine (ice), has been identified as a former police intelligence officer. 

He has also been identified as a suspect in the assassination case of former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament Nadarajah Raviraj, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Government Information Department, Colombo, on September 9 to announce Cabinet decisions, the Minister further noted:

Two individuals connected to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) arrested in the Miththaniya area have also been charged. The SLPP admitted to the allegations and expelled them from the party. 

However, that alone is not sufficient. The suspect Sampath Manamperi had served for a long time as a police constable and later for a brief period as an intelligence officer.

In particular, he was implicated in the murder of TNA MP Raviraj. Despite these charges, he was fielded as a candidate of the SLPP. Therefore, merely revoking his party membership is not enough. Measures must be taken, including by Namal Rajapaksa and others, to hand him over to the police.

The SLPP must cooperate with the police in surrendering him to face legal action. The police have intensified their search operations, and his arrest is expected soon. Based on testimonies and evidence, more individuals connected to these matters will also be arrested.

Politicians in Tangalle, Miththaniya, and Hambantota are said to have maintained close ties with the suspect’s family. Therefore, the most significant step that SLPP members, including Namal Rajapaksa, can take is to hand over Sampath Manamperi to the police, the Minister stressed.