Magistrate Orders Almeida Murder Case File to be Placed Under Judicial Custody
21-Jul-2026.
The Baddegama Magistrate's Court has ordered that the case file relating to the murder of underworld gunman Viraj Rashmika de Soyza, alias "Almeida", whose body was recovered from the Gin Ganga with both hands and legs tied to a concrete pillar, be placed under judicial custody.
The body, recovered by the Baddegama Police from the Gin Ganga on June 23, was identified by family members and a female acquaintance through a distinctive tattoo on the deceased's body. Investigations have since been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Case No. 38580/26 was taken up before court on July 20.
Presenting a further report, Chief Inspector Karunaratne of the CID informed court that evidence indicated the victim had previously been taken to the Galle District Crime Division. He further stated that, according to an affidavit submitted by remand prisoner Vihanga, the latter had identified and spoken to Almeida while both were at the Galle Crime Division.
Investigators have also established that the victim had been abducted from Mawatagama in Kurunegala District. Further investigations are continuing using CCTV footage and telephone records.
Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, the CID requested that the case file be placed under judicial custody.
After examining the submissions, Magistrate Sanath Nanayakkara ordered investigators to obtain the DNA examination report and to question a private media organisation that had reported the arrest of a suspect in connection with the killing.
Almeida, believed to have been the chief gunman of underworld leader "Loku Petti", was allegedly linked to three murders and narcotics trafficking involving more than 13 kilograms of drugs. The post-mortem examination concluded that his death resulted from injuries inflicted on the neck with a sharp weapon.
Attorney Senaka Perera appeared on behalf of the aggrieved party. The case was adjourned until August 3.
