• No official statement on lawyer’s legal representation: Police
• NPP lawyers urge swift justice, warn threat extends beyond legal fraternity

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has decided that its members will not appear before courts island-wide today (16) in protest over the fatal shooting of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda.

The decision was taken at a special general meeting convened in Colombo yesterday (15), where members deliberated on the implications of the attack. BASL President, Attorney Rajeev Amarasuriya said the move reflects the collective stance of the legal community in response to what they described as a grave attack on one of their own.

Approximately 3,500 lawyers attended the meeting at the BASL headquarters in Hulftsdorp, with several others joining via Zoom. This marks the first time in 14 years that all members of the Association convened for a collective meeting in Colombo.

Attempts made by The Daily Morning to contact the BASL for further information proved futile.

Meanwhile, addressing a special media briefing yesterday, Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Sajeewa Medawatte said four suspects have been identified so far in connection with the double murder. He said a total of 12 investigation teams have been assigned to the case, which is being closely monitored by senior officers.

The shooting occurred around 5:00 p.m. on 13 February at a car park of a supermarket near the military headquarters in Thalangama, Akuregoda, approximately one kilometre from the base. Two unidentified gunmen who arrived in a car opened fire using a pistol and a Type-56 assault rifle before fleeing the scene.

The victims were identified as attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife, W.A. Nisansala.

According to police, the vehicle believed to have been used by the assailants was later involved in an accident in Kottawa and found abandoned in Galle. Medawatte said the vehicle was reportedly set on fire. “Although media reports have circulated widely, we can only confirm these details after the forensic report is received. Until then, we cannot say with 100% certainty that it is the same vehicle,” he said.

He further revealed the number plate suspected to have fallen from the getaway vehicle on its way towards Galle had been recovered, but clarified that it was a fake plate. CCTV footage up to Horana has been examined so far, though investigators have not confirmed whether the vehicle entered the highway. Tracing of CCTV footage is continuing.

Medawatte stressed the two gunmen were not the only individuals involved and that several others are believed to be connected to the crime. “We have gathered credible information on four suspects so far. Additional details were obtained just prior to this briefing, and we believe the case could be resolved within a day or two,” he said.

Responding to media queries on whether the murdered attorney had represented any underworld figure, Medawatte said police have not officially issued any statement regarding whom the lawyer represented. Despite reports suggesting possible links, he cautioned that such information may or may not be accurate and that investigations are focused primarily on identifying and apprehending the suspects.

The lawyers of the National People’s Power (NPP) also issued a statement condemning the killings.

In their statement, NPP lawyers said they were deeply saddened by the death of Mallawarachchi and his wife, describing the attack as cruel and inhuman. They said the murder targeted not only a lawyer and his spouse but also the broader citizenry.

The statement added the incident underscored the urgency for the current Government to end the era in which armed criminals operate with impunity. The NPP lawyers warned that such violence could threaten journalists, police officers, judges, and lawyers.

They urged the Government to ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens and called on the Police to promptly complete the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the slain lawyer and his wife have been brought to their family home in Pitigala. Earlier yesterday (15), the remains were placed at a private parlour in Borella to allow relatives and members of the public to pay their last respects before being transported to their residence.

Police stated that necessary measures have been taken to prevent the suspects from fleeing the country as investigations continue.