Four suspects arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 24-year-old resident of Wellampitiya, whose body was reportedly burned and skeletal remains dumped in the Kelani River, have been remanded until November 16.
The order was issued after the suspects were produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court today (02).
Police said Grandpass Police initially launched an investigation following reports that the young man had gone missing on October 14, 2025. Further investigations were subsequently handed over to the Colombo District Crimes Division.
Investigations have revealed that on October 11, 2025, at approximately 6.23 p.m., the young man left his residence and travelled to a vehicle repair workshop in Sedawatta, owned by his businessman friend.
According to investigators, an argument had broken out between the youth and another man after a group allegedly threw stones at the workshop gate while they were drinking alcohol at the premises.
Police suspect that the man subsequently began making plans after receiving information that youth was allegedly preparing to kill him.
At around midnight that night, the 24-year-old reportedly called his sister and told her, “I'll come home in the morning.”
However, his mobile phone was switched off shortly after midnight, and he was never seen again.
Police investigations have uncovered evidence suggesting that the young man was murdered following the incident on October 11. His body was allegedly taken to the Pepiliyawala area in Kirindiwela, where it was burned.
Investigators have also uncovered information suggesting that his bones and other remains were dumped into the Kelani River near the Ranwala Bridge in Kosgama.
Following questioning of the suspects, police conducted an on-site investigation in Pepiliyawala, where several items of evidence, including bone fragments, were recovered.
Search operations were also carried out in the river near Ranwala Bridge with the assistance of Sri Lanka Navy diving personnel.
Police said the four suspects, aged 29, 32, 37 and 46, are residents of Wellampitiya and Agalawatta.
The Colombo District Crimes Division is conducting further investigations into the incident.
