Mahil Dole SSP (rtd)
COLOMBO : The recent assassination of the notorious contract killer Ganemulla Sanjeewa has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s security and law enforcement circles. The assassin, identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyamanga Kahadanaarachchi, also known under multiple aliases, including Mohamed Azman Sherrifdeen and Kodikarage Kasun Prabath Nissanka, executed the killing with precision, aided by meticulous planning and the element of surprise.
According to investigations led by the Colombo Crime Division (CCD), the assassin, reportedly a resident of Maharagama, used a forged identity card issued by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. This fake ID, carrying the name Kodikarage Kasun Prabath Nissanka, allowed him to enter the magistrate’s court complex without arousing suspicion. Dressed as an attorney-at-law, he blended seamlessly into the environment, ensuring he could approach his target without interference.
Further evidence suggests that he conducted multiple reconnaissance missions in the vicinity beforehand. These “dry runs” allowed him to familiarize himself with the surroundings, security measures, and potential escape routes, ensuring a flawless execution. His confidence before and after the assassination underscores the level of preparation that went into the crime.
Adding to the sophistication of the operation was a female accomplice, also dressed as a lawyer. She reportedly smuggled the murder weapon inside a statute book, demonstrating the calculated planning behind the act. Their ability to exploit security loopholes and execute the assassination undetected is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by organized criminal networks.
A Failure in Risk Management and Security Protocols
The assassin and his accomplices clearly followed fundamental risk management principles, including the well-known 6-P rule: Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. In contrast, the response of law enforcement and security personnel at the scene was alarmingly inadequate.
The immediate reaction of the security officers was marked by confusion and hesitation. They were caught off guard, failing to respond swiftly to neutralize the threat or provide immediate assistance to the victim. The tragic scene of security personnel standing by, uncertain of how to react, raises serious concerns about their training, preparedness, and ability to handle high-risk situations.
Given the high-profile nature of the target, the failure to implement effective threat assessment, advance security measures, and close protection protocols is deeply concerning. The incident demands a thorough review of existing security strategies to identify critical gaps and prevent similar breaches in the future.
A Swift Response and a Lesson for Law Enforcement
Despite the initial failure, the police and intelligence agencies recovered quickly, displaying commendable efficiency in tracking and capturing the suspect. The swift action of the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), in collaboration with the Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF) and the Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), led to the assassin’s arrest at a roadblock in Palavi, Puttalam. The vigilance and coordination between STF officers and intelligence operatives played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect before he could escape.
This operation proves that Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies are capable of responding effectively when mobilized with urgency. However, this success should not overshadow the glaring security lapses that allowed the assassination to take place in the first place. The police hierarchy must take this as a wake-up call, reinforcing the importance of proactive policing and intelligence-driven threat prevention.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Law Enforcement
The failure of security personnel to react promptly and decisively is a stark reminder that Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies must prioritize better training, risk assessment, and strategic planning. Instead of merely placing blame, the focus should be on learning from this incident and implementing critical reforms to enhance security operations.
It is crucial to recognize that police officers are human beings doing their best to maintain law and order under challenging conditions. However, systemic weaknesses must be addressed, and corrective measures must be implemented to ensure that such security failures do not repeat.
The government, defense authorities, and law enforcement leadership must take this incident seriously, conducting an in-depth analysis of what went wrong and how to prevent similar incidents in the future. Strengthening intelligence gathering, improving officer training, and ensuring stricter security protocols in sensitive locations are vital steps in this process.
This is a moment for reflection and reform. By learning from past mistakes and taking decisive action, Sri Lanka can move towards a safer future. { Writer Mahil Dole SSP rtd, served in the Police department for 38 + 4 years. He was the former head of the Counter Terrorism- State Intelligence Service and served as. Consultant to the Financial Crime Investigation Division for four years after his retirement.)
