A 51-year-old man has been remanded in custody until August 24 on suspicion of murdering a motorcycle taxi rider in Homagama on July 16. Police say they have recovered the murder weapon and obtained CCTV evidence.
A primary suspect in the fatal attack on an app-based motorcycle rider has been ordered to remain in police custody for additional questioning. Homagama Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya extended the remand during a court appearance on August 17, with the suspect to remain detained until August 24.
According to police accounts, the 51-year-old suspect from Ruwanwella is accused of killing the ride-hailing driver in the Galagahena area of Pitipana by slitting his throat with a sharp implement. The alleged murder occurred on July 16, after which the body was reportedly disposed of in a nearby canal. Authorities apprehended the suspect in the Minneriya area and recovered what they describe as the weapon used in the attack.
Investigations have expanded beyond the primary suspect. Police have also arrested and remanded one of the suspect's sons, alleging his involvement in aiding and abetting the crime. According to law enforcement, surveillance footage obtained during the investigation shows the suspect entering a restaurant in Homagama town after the incident, at which point he was allegedly wearing the victim's helmet and jacket and riding the victim's motorcycle.
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities conducting further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
