Former Parliamentarian Chandana Kathriarachchi has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) following the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition during a court-authorised search of his residence.

Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler said the arrest was carried out after officers executed a search warrant issued by the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court yesterday (16), acting on a complaint alleging the possession of illegal firearms.

During the raid, officers recovered a live hand grenade, reported to have been manufactured in Czechoslovakia, along with a substantial quantity of ammunition. This included 221 rounds used in T-56 assault rifles, two T-56 magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 103 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, and 30 unidentified rounds.

Subsequent searches of the premises also led to the discovery of four registered firearms, comprising two shotguns and two 9 mm pistols.

Investigations have revealed that one of the firearms was registered under Kathriarachchi’s name, while the remaining three were registered under his wife’s name.

The CCD has launched a separate investigation to determine the reasons behind the possession of such a large quantity of firearms and ammunition.

Further inquiries are being conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Colombo Range, Nishantha Soysa.