Ishara Sewwandi, the prime suspect in the February 19, 2025, murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa at Colombo Magistrate's Court, has been apprehended in Nepal following a coordinated international operation.
The 25-year-old suspect fled Sri Lanka shortly after allegedly assisting the gunman who shot Sanjeewa inside the courthouse. Police revealed that Sewwandi escaped with the help of a Jaffna man, identified as Kennedy Bastian Pillai — also known as J.K. Bai — who facilitated her remarkable journey across international borders.
According to investigators, Sewwandi first traveled from Midiganiya by boat to India, where she stayed for three days before boarding a train to Nepal. The elaborate escape operation cost approximately Rs. 6.5 million, with Bai financing her accommodation, food, and travel expenses.
Police also uncovered a sophisticated plan to use a "dummy woman"—someone resembling Sewwandi—to obtain visas for Dubai, India, and Nepal. The woman providing the false identity has also been arrested.
Five suspects were detained in the Nepal operation, including the Jaffna couple who provided shelter to Sewwandi. An INTERPOL Red Notice had been issued for her arrest.
Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa described Sewwandi as more than an accomplice, stating she was "the middlewoman who coordinated the killers" behind several underworld-linked crimes.
At the time of this Monitor Memo’s writing, Sewwandi was awaiting repatriation to Sri Lanka to face charges. Meanwhile, investigations continue into how the escape route and shelter network were organized across national borders.
