Police have seized an unlicensed firearm allegedly linked to Uditha Lokubandara, a former personal secretary to ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The weapon was reportedly hidden in a handbag on stage during an opposition protest rally held in Nugegoda recently.
According to the Divaina newspaper, the Nugegoda Divisional Crime Investigation Unit made the seizure on Tuesday (25). Lokubandara was questioned earlier this week over allegations that he concealed a pistol at a public gathering. Police confirmed the firearm was recovered from his residence in Kompanyaveediya and that no valid licence was in place at the time.
Authorities noted that Lokubandara previously owned a registered pistol and revolver, both surrendered to the Ministry of Defence under a directive requiring licensed firearms to be handed over. About a month ago, one of these weapons was returned to him, with instructions to renew its licence. However, investigators say he failed to obtain the annual licence before attending the Nugegoda rally.
Photographs circulating online show Lokubandara near MP Namal Rajapaksa during the protest, holding to conceal a pistol in his handbag. Following these reports, the Crime Investigation Unit summoned Lokubandara for questioning and subsequently seized the weapon.
Police have launched a formal investigation and stated that legal action will follow upon its conclusion.
Update from The Island
Former MP and Private Secretary to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Uditha Lokubandara, was taken into custody on Tuesday (25) by the Nugegoda Division Crime Investigation Unit for allegedly carrying a pistol concealed in his walking stick during an Opposition protest rally in Nugegoda.
Police said the incident occurred on a crowded stage, prompting questions and a recorded statement from Lokubandara on the charge of carrying a firearm in a public place. The pistol was later recovered from his residence, in Slave Island, and was found to be without a valid licence.
Authorities noted that Lokubandara had a registered pistol and revolver, which had previously been handed over to the Ministry of Defence, as per instructions. One of these firearms was returned to him about a month ago with directions to obtain the annual licence required. However, at the time of the rally, the necessary licence had not yet been secured.
Photographs and online reports from the rally showed Lokubandara standing beside MP Namal Rajapaksa while apparently concealing the firearm in his walking stick. The Nugegoda Division Crime Investigation Unit confirmed that the object was indeed a pistol, which was formally taken into police custody following his statement.
The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Western Southern Province Deputy Inspector General of Police Samanth Wijesekera and Senior Superintendent of Police Mangala Dehideniya. A senior police officer said legal action would be taken against Lokubandara once the inquiry concludes.
by Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu/The Island