Duminda Dissanayake re‑named as suspect in gold plated T‑56 firearm case

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been re‑named as a suspect in the case involving a T‑56 firearm recovered at a Housing Complex in the Havelocky area. The matter was taken up today (10) before Acting Magistrate Ravi Mathugama at the No. 1 Court of the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. Officials of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) told court that extracts had initially been sent to the Attorney General, and due to lack of evidence, the fourth suspect was released. However, following further statements recorded from the second suspect on the Attorney General’s instructions, sufficient evidence was uncovered to re‑include the fourth suspect in the case. Evidence earlier alleged that the fourth suspect was linked to the disposal of the firearm, while subsequent findings indicated that the second suspect had aided in keeping it. A consolidated report was submitted to court, leading to Dissanayake being re‑named as a suspect. The Attorney General’s Department has now completed investigations and informed the court that indictments will be filed in the High Court. The counsel appearing for Dissanayake, informed the court that the Magistrate’s Court had previously released his client on July 29 last year due to lack of evidence, and said they will challenge the matter before the High Court. Magistrate Mathugama ordered Dissanayake’s release on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 500,000 each. The case will be called again on December 11 for further reporting based on the Attorney General’s instructions. (Newswire)