Man disguised as lawyer kills gang leader in court

A notorious gang leader was killed after being shot inside a Sri Lankan courthouse by a gunman disguised as a lawyer, according to police. The gunman used a revolver smuggled into the courthouse inside a hollowed-out book by a female accomplice, who remains at large.

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was being escorted to court to face charges when the shooting occurred. The gang leader, who had been in custody since his arrest in September 2023, was a suspect in multiple murder cases. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The gunman managed to flee but was later captured by police. Authorities have identified him under multiple aliases. Police have also named 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi as the female suspect, and a reward has been offered for information leading to her capture. In connection with the shooting, a policeman and a van driver have been arrested for their alleged involvement.

This shooting is part of a broader wave of gang violence in Sri Lanka, with authorities pledging to take stronger action against organized crime. On Wednesday, lawmakers discussed the issue, with an opposition MP calling it a "major security issue." Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling gang activity.

In response to the incident, security measures at the courthouse are under review, with new protocols being introduced. Armed guards will now be deployed when certain individuals are brought to court, a departure from the usual ban on armed security inside the courthouse, according to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

This latest incident adds to a troubling rise in gang-related violence, with at least nine people killed this year in shootings linked to gang rivalries.