Police yesterday (23) revealed fresh details in the high-profile double murder of a lawyer and his wife, who were shot dead at a supermarket car park in Akuregoda on 13 February.

Investigators said that a resident of Kottawa has been arrested for allegedly transporting the two gunmen to lodging houses prior to the killings. The suspect was taken into custody by officers of the Western Province South Crime Division.

According to police, the suspect had acted on the instructions of an alleged underworld figure known as Malwane Tutu, who is believed to be operating from overseas. He is alleged to have arranged accommodation for the gunmen using false identities.

Authorities further stated the arrested individual is an Ice (crystal methamphetamine) user and is suspected to have been involved in drug trafficking activities linked to Malwane Tutu.

With this arrest, the total number of suspects taken into custody in connection with the Akuregoda double murder has risen to 10, including one of the alleged gunmen, Police said.

Meanwhile, Police also disclosed that a 46-year-old suspect arrested while working at a cinnamon plantation in Delduwa, Ambalangoda, had provided crucial information during interrogation.

During questioning, the suspect had claimed that he became acquainted with an individual known as Karandeniya Sudda during his time in the Sri Lanka Army, where both had followed training courses. After leaving the military, he had allegedly turned to robberies to make a living and was at one stage remanded over a robbery-related offence.

Police said investigations into the double murder are continuing. Further arrests have not been ruled out.