Former ASP granted bail in Uddika Premaratne shooting incident

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjeewa Mahanama on September 13. Mahanama was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly assisting in a staged shooting targeting the vehicle of former parliamentarian Uddika Premaratne.

On June 14, it was revealed that the shooting incident involving Premaratne's vehicle, which had been reported as an attack by unidentified gunmen, was allegedly orchestrated by Premaratne himself with Mahanama's assistance. The shooting, initially reported on September 17, 2023, involved gunmen who fired at Premaratne's car as he returned to his residence in Anuradhapura. The left rear door glass of the vehicle was damaged, but Premaratne escaped unharmed.

Following the incident, investigations were conducted by the Anuradhapura police with additional security provided by the Special Task Force (STF). The case was later handed over to the CID.

On February 27, 2024, Premaratne resigned from his parliamentary seat, which was subsequently filled by S.C. Muthukumarana of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). Premaratne later reported traveling to Canada, seeking a work visa rather than political asylum as initially suggested.