2 sources·Updated Feb 16, 2026

Four Arrested Over Akuregoda Double Murder

Police state that four suspects have been identified in connection with the Akuregoda double homicide.They were arrested on suspicion of giving shelter to the main suspects, transporting firearms, and supplying drugs.Meanwhile, the motor vehicle believed to have been used in the murders was found burned in the Baddegama area. It will be sent to the Government Analyst for further investigation.Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife were shot dead in Akuregoda, Thalangama last Friday afternoon. Police believe the shooting may have been carried out by an organized criminal known as Karandeniya Sudda.Twelve police teams are conducting investigations to arrest the remaining suspects. Police also said that the murdered attorney had appeared in several cases involving Karandeniya Sudda.Meanwhile, the lawyers of the National People's Power have expressed their condolences over the murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife. In a statement, the organization strongly condemned the threats to civilians' rights and the judicial system posed by underworld groups that were supported for political reasons in the past.The President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Rajeev Amarasuriya, announced that they have decided to withdraw from all judicial activities across the island today in protest of the murders.