The gunman involved in the murder of underworld figure and drug trafficker “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” was recruited by criminals through Facebook, Police Media Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manathunga said.
In an interview on a private TV channel today, SSP Manathunga revealed that the suspect, a former member of the military, was initially approached through social media.
The messages sent to him included phrases like, “You don’t have a job, right? Let’s do a little business?”. These exchanges had eventually led to the suspect’s involvement in the murder.
“From past experience, it is clear that a significant number of individuals involved in such crimes are former members of the armed forces or police. The Defense Secretary has given instructions to arrest all such individuals. If military personnel desert without being legally discharged, it is considered an offense under the law, and provisions exist for their apprehension,” SSP Manathunga explained.
He elaborated further, stating that the criminals responsible for the murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” specifically targeted the shooter when he was unemployed and no longer serving in the military, adding that social media was used as a tool to manipulate and recruit him into committing the crime.
“They ensured he was out of the military before luring him in through Facebook. They initiated contact and gradually influenced him,” he noted.
In response to this growing concern, defense authorities have ramped up efforts to monitor military and police deserters, pledging to take firm action against those involved in criminal activities.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha, had issued an order for the immediate arrest of all deserters from the security forces.
“We will track down and arrest these individuals in the near future,” SSP Manathunga assured.
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