Two locally manufactured firearms, identical to the 18 weapons recently recovered in Dematagoda, have been seized in the Modara area by officers of the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau (CCIB).

The recovery was made during the interrogation of a suspect known as "Modara Chathura," the brother of alleged organized crime figure "Modara Nipuna," who is believed to be hiding overseas. The suspect was recently deported to Sri Lanka from Dubai.

He is currently being detained under a 90-day detention order while investigations continue. Based on information obtained during questioning, investigators recovered two locally manufactured "T-Katas" type firearms concealed in the Modara area.

Police suspect that these firearms, along with the 18 weapons previously recovered in Dematagoda, were manufactured by the same individual. 

Consequently, a comprehensive investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the suspected manufacturer.

The investigation is being conducted by the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau under the instructions of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Ranmal Kodithuwakku.

A senior police officer stated that sustained police operations and the continued seizure of illegal firearms have created a shortage of weapons among organized criminal groups. 

According to intelligence received by the police, this shortage has prompted some criminals to resort to the local manufacture of firearms.