A Port City abduction became a murder investigation after police found a Chinese national’s body and arrested two suspects near BIA.
The Port City abduction of a Chinese national has become a murder investigation after police found his body concealed beneath rocks in a forested area in Eheliyagoda.
Two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement were later arrested near Bandaranaike International Airport. Police said they appeared to be preparing to leave Sri Lanka when officers took them into custody.
The case began as an investigation into a violent confrontation and suspected kidnapping at Colombo Port City. However, it escalated after officers discovered the victim’s body in Karandana on Thursday, July 23.
Police are now trying to identify and arrest others believed to have taken part in the attack. Investigators have not established the motive behind the confrontation.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said it was closely following the case. It urged Sri Lankan authorities to establish the facts quickly and protect the safety and lawful rights of Chinese citizens.
Port City Abduction Followed Early-Morning Attack
According to police, three Chinese nationals travelled by cab to Colombo Port City early on Thursday. Reports said they had gone there to fish.
Another group of Chinese nationals then arrived in two vehicles and attacked the three men.
Two members of the first group suffered injuries during the confrontation. They later received treatment at a private hospital.
The attackers allegedly forced the third man into one of their vehicles and took him away from the Port City premises.
Police received information about the incident, prompting the Colombo Harbour Police to investigate the assault and suspected abduction.
Officers later found a van believed to have been used by the attackers. The suspects had abandoned it.
Police recovered a suspected pistol and a communication device from inside the vehicle. They took both items into custody for examination.
However, authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the suspected weapon was functional. They have also not said whether anyone used it during the attack.
Body Discovered Beneath Rocks in Eheliyagoda
Several hours after the Port City abduction, Eheliyagoda Police officers made a disturbing discovery during an unrelated operation against illicit liquor.
The officers were searching a forested location in the Gettukade area of Karandana when they noticed a suspicious pile of rocks.
Part of a human hand was reportedly protruding from beneath the stones.
Police inspected the location and found a man’s body concealed under the rocks.
Authorities identified the deceased as a Chinese national. They later confirmed that he was the same person allegedly taken from Colombo Port City earlier that morning.
The way the body had been concealed suggested that those responsible had tried to hide it in the isolated forested area.
Police transported the remains to Avissawella Hospital for a post-mortem examination and further forensic investigation.
Vehicles and Suspected Weapon Recovered
Officers found a car close to the location where the victim’s body was discovered.
Investigators suspect the vehicle may have transported the abducted man from Colombo to Karandana.
The car could provide important forensic evidence as police reconstruct the suspects’ movements after they left Colombo Port City.
Investigators are expected to examine it for fingerprints, biological material, communication equipment and other evidence. Such findings could help identify the people who travelled in the vehicle.
Police may also review traffic cameras and security footage along possible routes between Colombo and Eheliyagoda.
The abandoned van recovered at Port City and the car found near the body are expected to become central parts of the investigation.
The vehicles could help officers establish where the victim was taken, how long he remained alive and whether the suspects stopped at other locations.
Two Chinese Suspects Arrested Near Airport
Police later arrested two Chinese nationals near Bandaranaike International Airport over their suspected involvement in the case.
Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said the suspects allegedly intended to leave Sri Lanka when officers apprehended them.
Authorities then took the two men to the Foreshore Police Station for further questioning.
This article was written by Dwayne Ferreira, Correspondent for The Morning Telegraph.
