• Victim allegedly taken away after clash among Chinese nationals
• Embassy urges probe to ensure citizens’ safety

A Chinese national who was allegedly abducted by a group of Chinese nationals following a clash at the Colombo Port City premises was found murdered yesterday (23), with his body discovered concealed under rocks in a forested area in Karandana, Eheliyagoda.

The discovery was made by Eheliyagoda Police officers conducting a raid on an illicit liquor operation in the Gettukade area. During the operation, officers noticed a suspicious pile of rocks in a forested location and, after seeing part of a human hand protruding from beneath them, uncovered the body.

The deceased was identified as the Chinese national who was allegedly taken away during the confrontation at the Port City premises earlier that day.

Police said three Chinese nationals had arrived at the Port City area in a cab early yesterday morning for fishing activities when they were attacked by another group of Chinese nationals who arrived in two vehicles.

The attackers had allegedly abducted one of the individuals before fleeing the scene after abandoning the van they had arrived in. An air pistol was also recovered from the abandoned vehicle.

Following the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo urged Sri Lankan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts and take necessary measures to safeguard the safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Sri Lanka.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Embassy also advised Chinese nationals in the country to enhance their safety awareness and immediately inform the Police and contact the Embassy for assistance in case of emergencies.

The body was taken to the Avissawella Hospital for further investigations, while Police continue inquiries to identify those responsible for the alleged abduction and murder.