Man appeared in Rajitha’s “white van” media conference arrested over alleged murder in Kelaniya

Watareka Gamage Athula Sanjeewa Madanayake alias Undial Athula, one of the two men who had appeared in the “white van” media conference led by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, had been arrested over the murder in Pethiyagoda, Kelaniya.

A 42-year-old man has been killed following a brawl between two groups of people in Pethiyagoda on Saturday night.

Five more people were admitted to Colombo National Hospital and Ragama Hospital following the incident.

The deceased, a resident of Kelaniya, was hacked to death with sharp weapons and rods.

Police said the suspect, Athula Sanjeewa, a well-known criminal involved in many crimes is currently receiving treatment under police security.

The Magistrate has visited the suspect in hospital and will be handed to the prison officers, police said.

According to the residents, family members and friends, the attackers had committed a similar crime of chopping off someone’s arm and are known to be gangsters who are involved in drug peddling.

The Peliyagoda Police are investigating. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)