Investigation Launched After Airport Security Officer Arrested with Weapons Cache

COLOMBO( News 1st); Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, says an institutional-level investigation has been launched following the arrest of a security officer at Katunayake Airport who was found with a cache of weapons.

He added that further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The arrested individual has been identified as Chandima Jayaratne, also known as Gasma. He is a former branch president of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya (SLNSS) and is currently serving as a security officer at the airport.

According to the police, a search was conducted based on a tip-off, leading to the discovery of a T-56 firearm, a magazine, a 2.2 mm pistol, 14 T-56 bullets, six 9 mm bullets, nine 2.2 mm bullets, two pistol and revolver-type firearms, three swords, and two daggers in a bag at Jayaratne's residence.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced in court today.