Police have identified eight suspects connected to the abduction and murder of a Chinese national following a clash at Colombo Port City, with three suspects having fled the country and two arrested at the airport.
Eight individuals have been identified in relation to the abduction, assault, and subsequent death of a Chinese national, according to statements made by Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler. The incident emerged following a violent confrontation between groups at Colombo Port City, with the victim's body discovered in Eheliyagoda on July 23.
Of the identified suspects, three have reportedly fled Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the incident, while another three remain within the country but are actively evading authorities. Travel restrictions have been imposed against those still present. Two additional suspects were apprehended at Katunayake Airport, and legal action has commenced against them. A court hearing is scheduled for August 6, when an identification parade will take place.
The victim was abducted alongside two others during the initial clash, though both surviving individuals were subsequently abandoned with injuries and received hospital treatment. The investigation has benefited from collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), indicating the cross-border nature of the inquiry.
In response to the incident, police have issued guidance to the public regarding property rentals to foreign nationals. ASP Wootler urged vigilance among landlords and property managers, encouraging reporting of suspicious activities to local police stations to prevent similar occurrences.
