Police Close In on Suspects Behind Deadly Dehiwala Grenade Attack

Police say they have made significant progress in identifying and locating the two individuals believed to be the main suspects behind the grenade attack in Dehiwala that claimed the lives of two children.

Investigators are now carrying out operations to apprehend the suspects, police said.

The attack occurred in the early hours of September 11 at a residence on Sirisangabo Mawatha in Dehiwala. Two children were killed, while their father suffered severe injuries to both legs and later underwent an amputation. The children's final rites were held yesterday (14).

The investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatte, following instructions from Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.

During the investigation, the Mount Lavinia Division Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested a person accused of taking the three-wheeler allegedly used in the attack to a garage to have its colour changed. The owner of the garage was also taken into custody.

Interrogations reportedly revealed that the individuals involved had acted on the instructions of two persons identified as “Kos Malli” and “Bodhiyawatte Avishka,” who are alleged to have planned the attack.

Police teams are also working to locate the uncle of “Kos Malli,” who is suspected of carrying out the grenade attack. Investigators have obtained important information that could assist in determining his whereabouts.

Further information has also emerged about the person believed to have driven the three-wheeler used in the attack. Police have received information indicating that the individual is a resident of Saranankara Road in Kalubowila.

In a separate development linked to the investigation, the Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a man allegedly involved in distributing drugs locally on behalf of “Bodhiyawatte Avishka.”

The suspect was arrested in Kalubowila with 2 kilograms and 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” and 504 grams of heroin. Police also recovered a weighing scale, two rubber seals and two mobile phones from his possession.