The three suspects arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the assassination of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickremasekara have been remanded until October 30, following an order from the Matara Magistrate's Court.

Police investigations have revealed that the murder was carried out under a contract for Rs.2 million received from Dubai, and that the killer was paid the full amount in cash prior to the murder.

Following the arrest of the shooter in Nawinna, Maharagama, last evening (26), all related information is now being uncovered by the investigating teams.

Police said that the murder contract was given to the shooter by a close associate of Midigama Ruwan and Chooti, and that an accomplice of theirs delivered the Rs.1.5 million payment to the shooter before the assassination of Lasantha Wickremasekara.

It has also been disclosed that the individual who shot the Chairman travelled from Kekirawa to Colombo yesterday (26), spent several hours wandering around the Pettah area, and was reportedly searching for the narcotic substance 'ice'.