The Chinese Embassy in Colombo has issued a statement today (23) regarding the discovery of the body of a Chinese national, who was allegedly abducted and murdered by a group of Chinese nationals following a clash in the Colombo Port City.
The Embassy stated that it is closely following the case and has urged the Sri Lanka Police to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts as soon as possible and safeguard the safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens.
The statement also advised Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka to enhance their safety awareness and, in case of emergencies, promptly inform the police and contact the Embassy for assistance.
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier that the body of the Chinese national, who was suspected to have been abducted by a group of Chinese nationals in the Port City premises and subsequently murdered, was discovered today in a forested area in Karandana, Eheliyagoda.
According to police, three Chinese nationals had arrived at the Colombo Port City area in a cab early this morning to engage in fishing activities. They were later attacked by another group of Chinese nationals who arrived at the location in two vehicles.
Police said the alleged group had abducted one Chinese national before abandoning the van they arrived in and fleeing the scene. An air pistol was also recovered from the abandoned vehicle.
Meanwhile, a group of Eheliyagoda Police officers conducting a raid on an illicit liquor operation in the Gettukade area of Karandana had discovered a suspicious pile of rocks in a forested area.
Police inspected the location after noticing part of a human hand protruding from the rocks and found that a body had been concealed inside the rocks.
The body was identified as that of a Chinese national and was later confirmed to be the same individual who had allegedly been abducted from the Colombo Port City premises.
Accordingly, the body was taken to the Avissawella Hospital this afternoon for further investigation.
A car was also found near the location where the body was discovered, and police suspect that it may have been used by the Chinese suspects to transport the body to the area.
Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler stated that two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in the incident were arrested near the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while allegedly attempting to leave the country.
He said the suspects have been brought to the Foreshore Police Station for further investigations, adding that steps are being taken to arrest other individuals believed to be involved in the incident.
Police said the motive behind the clash between the groups of Chinese nationals has not yet been revealed.
