The Police have announced that former Member of Parliament Chandana Kathriarachchi has been granted a 30-day detention order for extensive questioning following his arrest for the possession of illegal firearms and explosives.

Background of the Incident

The former MP was apprehended during a special raid conducted based on intelligence reports. During the search, authorities recovered several unlicensed firearms, live ammunition, and explosive materials.

Detailed Investigation by CCD

He is currently held under the custody of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). The 30-day detention period was sanctioned to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the following areas:

• Source of Weapons: To identify the origin of the seized firearms and the networks involved in their distribution.
• Potential Criminal Plans: To determine if the explosives and weapons were intended for any specific illegal activities or coordinated violence.
• Organized Crime Links: To uncover any potential connections between the former MP and organized criminal syndicates.

Legal Proceedings

Under the existing laws regarding firearms and explosives, authorities have the provision to detain suspects for an extended period for national security reasons and thorough interrogation. The CCD is expected to record multiple statements from the suspect during this month-long period.

The arrest has sparked significant interest in the political arena, and the police are expected to report the progress of the ongoing investigations to the court in due course.