Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was arrested yesterday (23) in connection with the gold-plated T-56 firearm seized from the Wellawatte Havelock housing complex, was remanded until the 29th by Mount Lavinia Acting Magistrate Shantha Kumara today (24).
The Acting Magistrate further ordered that the suspect be referred to the Prison Hospital as he is in a critical condition, based on the medical reports obtained by the officers of the Police Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division after referring Duminda Dissanayake to the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer.
The officers of the Terrorism Investigation Division stated before the court that the gold-plated T-56 firearm is an unlicensed firearm and that the fourth suspect, Duminda Dissanayake, had called the first suspect over the phone and told the first suspect to keep it in his possession until he was informed.
The officers of the Terrorism Investigation Division further stated before the court that the suspect, Duminda Dissanayake, had given a statement that this firearm was in the custody of his father, Bertie Premalal Dissanayake’s chief security officer.
At that time, the lawyers of the suspect Duminda Dissanayake, who presented evidence before the court, told the court that their client denies both the statements.
The panel of lawyers also requested the court to record that their client was produced before the court under Section 43 of the Firearms Ordinance.
Officials of the Police Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division told the court that the Wellawatte Police have taken steps to obtain telephone call records related to the incident and that the firearm will be presented to the Government Analyst and a report will be obtained. The case is scheduled to be taken up again on the 29th.