News Today: Alleged Drug Kingpin Fatally Shot Inside Sri Lankan Court

In a shocking incident on February 19, 2025, alleged drug kingpin Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” was fatally shot inside the No. 5 Magistrate’s Court Chamber at the Aluthkade Court Complex in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The assailant, disguised as a lawyer, managed to infiltrate the courtroom and carry out the attack, highlighting significant security lapses within the judicial premises.

Sanjeewa, an organized crime gang leader, was in remand custody and had been transported from Boossa Prison to the court for a legal proceeding. During the session, the gunman opened fire, inflicting approximately six bullet wounds on Sanjeewa. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to the National Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

The revolver used in the shooting was recovered from the court premises. Investigations revealed that the firearm was smuggled into the courtroom by a female accomplice, also disguised as a lawyer, who concealed the weapon inside a modified legal book. This brazen method underscores the sophisticated planning behind the assassination.

Authorities launched an extensive manhunt, leading to the arrest of the primary suspect, 34-year-old Mohamed Azman Sherifdeen, in the Palaviya area of Puttalam. Sherifdeen, a former member of the Sri Lanka Army’s commando regiment, was already wanted for seven previous murders, indicating his deep involvement in organized crime.

This incident has raised serious concerns about security protocols within Sri Lanka’s judicial system. The ease with which the assailants breached court security, especially by impersonating legal professionals, has prompted calls for immediate reforms. Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya has proposed enhanced security measures, including the thorough screening of individuals entering court premises, regardless of their professional affiliations.

The assassination of Ganemulla Sanjeewa is part of a disturbing trend of escalating gang-related violence in Sri Lanka. In the first 16 days of 2025 alone, five shooting incidents were reported, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action to curb this surge in violent crime, which is instilling fear among citizens and disrupting daily life.

The incident also highlights the transnational nature of organized crime. Sanjeewa had previously fled Sri Lanka to evade arrest but was apprehended at Bandaranaike International Airport upon his return from Nepal in September 2023. At the time of his arrest, he was found carrying a forged passport bearing the details of a woman from the Dematagoda area, suggesting a well-established network facilitating his movements across borders.

In response to the assassination, security has been significantly increased around the Aluthkade Court Complex and other judicial institutions nationwide. Authorities are also investigating potential lapses that allowed the assailants to exploit the system, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Sri Lanka faces in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of individuals within its legal system. The government and law enforcement agencies are under mounting pressure to implement effective measures to address these issues and restore public confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.