Former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi Arrested Over Illegal Weapons Cache

Further details have emerged regarding the arrest of former Member of Parliament Chandana Kathriarachchi by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Acting on a complaint filed with the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court over the alleged possession of illegal firearms, authorities obtained a search warrant and carried out a raid at his residence today (April 16).

During the operation, officers recovered 221 rounds of T-56 assault rifle ammunition, two T-56 magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 103 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, and a live hand grenade. The grenade is reported to have been manufactured in Czechoslovakia.

Further searches of the premises led to the discovery of four registered firearms. Investigations revealed that one weapon was registered under Kathriarachchi’s name, while the remaining three were registered under his wife’s name. The registered firearms include two shotguns and two 9mm pistols.

The CCD has launched a separate investigation to determine the purpose behind the possession of such a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.

Further inquiries are being conducted under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Colombo Range, Nishantha Soysa.