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Former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi Arrested Over Weapons Cache Discovery
The Pulse
PoliticsCrimeHOTThursday, April 16, 2026

Former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi Arrested Over Weapons Cache Discovery

TLDR

  • Former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi arrested April 16 for weapons cache.

  • Recovered: T56 magazines, 221 T56 rounds, grenade, shotguns, other ammo.

  • Under 30-day PTA detention; police suspect more weapons.

  • STF and CCD conducted new search on his Piliyandala estate April 23.

Former Parliamentarian Chandana Kathriarachchi was arrested by the Colombo Crime Division on April 16, 2026, after a search of his Piliyandala residence. Police confirmed the discovery of two T56 magazines, over 221 rounds of T56 ammunition, and two live hand grenades during the operation. Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated the search was conducted based on a warrant obtained from the Kesbewa Magistrate's Court, following intelligence regarding the presence of firearms. Kathriarachchi was subsequently taken into custody.

10 Updates

Update #11\u00b7 Apr 24 · 5:46 AM

The special search operation conducted on April 23rd at former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi's residence was initiated following information gathered by private informants and criminal intelligence officers, under the direction of Chief Police Inspector Aruna Krishantha, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Update #10\u00b7 Apr 23 · 5:04 PM

A new special search operation was conducted on April 23rd at former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi's large garden/estate in Piliyandala. The operation, which lasted for nearly four hours, involved a special team from the Police Special Task Force (STF) alongside the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). This search was initiated based on secret intelligence received by the CCD's intelligence unit, with information gathered through private informants and criminal intelligence officers.

Update #9\u00b7 Apr 19 · 4:31 PM

The initial 72-hour interrogation period for former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi concluded on April 19th, following which he is being questioned under 30-day detention orders granted with the Ministry of Defence's permission.

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