News

Sri Lankan suspected of being held hostage by Hamas dies

Published

1 year ago

November 3, 2023

editor

The Sri Lankan national, who was believed to have been taken hostage by the Islamic militant group Hamas in Palestine, has been confirmed dead, according to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tel Aviv.

The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, stated that the death of 48-year-old Sujith Bandara Yatawara was confirmed by the Interpol branch of the Israel Police. This confirmation came after DNA samples provided by Bandara’s children were matched with an unidentified body.

Yatawara had been missing since October 7, the day when Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli towns near the blockaded Gaza Strip to carry out an unprecedented attack.

Following his disappearance, his children provided DNA samples, which were then sent to Israel for further investigation.

Yatawara who had traveled to Israel in 2015, is a resident of Wennappuwa

The Sri Lankan Embassy expressed its condolences to Yatawara’s family and assured their commitment to providing assistance during this difficult time.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

9 hours ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)