Junior lawyers of slain attorney, seek protection over death threats

2026-02-27 - 03:57

Two junior lawyers of murdered attorney Buddhika Mallawarachchi have lodged a complaint with the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, seeking protection over alleged death threats. In their complaint, the 02 attorneys have stated they face death threats from the alleged underworld figure ‘Karandeniya Sudda’, and have requested for security to ensure their safety. Attorney Mallawarachchi and his wife were recently shot dead inside their vehicle at a supermarket car park near the Army Headquarters in Akuregoda, Battaramulla. Preliminary police investigations have revealed that the attorney and his wife were allegedly targeted in connection with his court appearances on behalf of cases linked to an individual identified as ‘Loku Patty’, said to be a rival of ‘Karandeniya Sudda’. It is further alleged that the contract killing had been orchestrated by ‘Karandeniya Sudda’. Investigators also suspect that the attorney’s wife was killed as she was allegedly privy to several details relating to Sudda’s legal matters. The 02 junior lawyers are also reported to have represented several criminal suspects on the advice and professional direction of the murdered attorney. Police sources confirmed that security has since been granted to the 02 junior lawyers.