The Central Crime Investigation Bureau has launched a probe into audio clips circulating on social media that allege a plot to assassinate Dematagoda Chaminda, a convicted organised crime figure held at the high-security Boossa Prison.
The investigation is being conducted under SSP Kamal Ariyawansa on instructions from the Inspector General of Police, NewsFirst reported on Friday.
Based on an order from the Aluthkade No. 5 Magistrate’s Court, police will record statements from Boossa Prison jailers, the prison superintendent, and Chaminda himself. However, initial investigations suggest the assassination story may have been fabricated by Chaminda’s own associates.
Investigators believe the death threat narrative was spread to prevent authorities from proceeding with plans to transfer Chaminda from Boossa Prison to the Welisara Navy Camp — a facility used for high-risk detainees. Police said action would be taken against those who shared information about the alleged plot on social media.
Dematagoda Chaminda was sentenced to death for the 2011 murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, a former ruling party politician and Colombo District organiser of the SLFP. The murder exposed deep links between the underworld and political establishment, becoming one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent Sri Lankan history.
The probe comes as the STF has intensified cross-jurisdiction enforcement operations against organised crime networks, with expanded powers granted by the Public Security Minister on April 7.
