A 22-year-old married man from Kuliyapitiya has been missing for two weeks after visiting his girlfriend’s house. The question of whether he is alive remains unanswered, as Police have yet to determine if he was harmed.
The investigation into his disappearance has revealed connections with the telephone network of a soldier residing in Kurana, Negombo.
A special Police team was deployed yesterday to apprehend the soldier. The disappearance was reportedly orchestrated by Singithi, the father of the missing young man’s fiancee.
The alleged disappearance was planned on April 21. However, the plan failed when Susith Jayawansa, also known as Susie, the missing person, visited his girlfriend’s house with others in a jeep.The girlfriend allegedly asked him to come the next day since a group of visitors were at her place.
Police reported that Susith has disappeared since returning to the girl’s residence around 9.30 am on April 22.
On the day of the planned disappearance, Singithi reportedly contacted Athula Wijesinghe, former North Western Province Chief Minister.The missing young man was allegedly taken to the residence of Wijesinghe, an attorney.
During interrogation, Wijesinghe denied knowledge of the youth’s disappearance, explaining he had only provided legal advice regarding a serious accusation made by Singithi about a man who made his daughter pregnant. Wijesinghe mentioned that Singithi was adamant about not involving the Police, preferring to seek justice independently.
Wijesinghe also disclosed that he was not present at his home on the day of the disappearance, as he was at the airport to pick his daughter who was returning from abroad. The close political ties between Singithi and Wijesinghe have been highlighted, though no evidence suggests Wijesinghe abetted the alleged crime.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a red Alto car in Madampe Panirendawa, believed to be involved in the disappearance. A search operation in the Panirendawa Reserve is underway, with assistance from the Police Official Dog Unit.
A minivan used by Singithi and his family was found abandoned in Wilgamuwa, Matale, following a Police alert. The van was inspected by forensic experts, and a fingerprint was recovered.
Amidst these developments, an act of arson targeted the home of Singithi, causing minor damage. The Police have arrested five suspects in connection with Susith’s disappearance and are investigating the arson.
Sajith Priyawansa, Susith’s brother, praised the police’s dedication but lamented the lack of progress in finding Susith. He appeals to the public for any information, urging them to contact the nearest Police station.
