Sri Lanka: Remand extended for former minister in 2008 murder cases

A Batticaloa magistrate has extended the remand of three suspects, including former State Minister Sivanayagamo Sivanesathurai Chandran (known as Pillaiyan), until October 13, 2026. The suspects are being investigated in connection with five murders committed in 2008.

The cases involve the shooting deaths of a police officer and another individual in Kallady, the shooting deaths of two people, including an RMV.P party member, in Kantankudy, and the abduction and murder of a trader in the Karayakkal area of Vavunathivu.

In addition to Chandran, the remand includes two military intelligence informants, Mohamed Sibaan and Mohamed Sakheet, who were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in November 2025. A fourth suspect, Mohamed Boyce (also known as Police Boyes), is reportedly located in London.