Fresh investigations into the murder of rugby star Wasim Thajudeen have reportedly uncovered evidence that three vehicles previously linked to his killing may also have been used in several other crimes, adding a new dimension to the long-running investigation.
The three double-cab vehicles had reportedly been provided through the Presidential Secretariat for the security of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and her son Yoshitha Rajapaksa. Investigators had earlier identified information linking vehicles bearing registration numbers WP PD 79–, WP PD 80– and WP GB 05– to the Thajudeen investigation.
Investigators have also identified irregularities in records relating to the vehicles, including missing running logs and deficiencies in documentation. The latest inquiries reportedly indicate that the vehicles may have been used by different individuals in connection with several other alleged crimes.
The development is significant given the circumstances surrounding the killing of Thajudeen, a prominent Sri Lankan rugby player. He was found dead inside his burnt vehicle near the Shalika Grounds in Colombo in the early hours of 17 May 2012. His death was initially treated as a road accident, but subsequent investigations established that it was a homicide.
The case was revived following the change of government in 2015. Thajudeen‘s remains were exhumed under a court order and a subsequent post-mortem examination supported the conclusion that he had been murdered.
Investigators have also examined five other vehicles that entered the Presidential Secretariat on the night of 16 May 2012, immediately preceding Thajudeen‘s death. Those vehicles bear registration numbers WP LV 05–, WP PD 13–, WP KA 98–, WP KD 01– and WP PA 72–. Serious discrepancies are also reported to have been detected in their running logs.
More recent investigations have produced another potentially important lead. Police said Anura Vidanagamage, also known as “Middeniya Kajja”, was believed to have travelled in a vehicle that followed Thajudeen‘s car shortly before his death. Investigators said his widow identified him after viewing CCTV footage.
Despite investigations spanning more than a decade, authorities had not, as of October 2025, conclusively identified the person directly responsible for the murder.