SLPP politico arrested over Íce' narcotics linked to killing of Tamil MP Raviraj

 

Late TNA MP N. Raviraj

Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha member  Sampath Manamperi, who was arrested earlier in connection with the recent recovery of chemicals allegedly used to manufacture ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine), was involved in the killing of then Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP N. Raviraj, the Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said.

According to the Cabinet Spokesperson, the former SLPP politician served as a former intelligence officer of the police and was named as one of the suspects. 

A 38-year-old relative of the SLPP politico, Wijewickrama Manamperige Piyal Senadheera, was also allegedly involved with chemicals used to manufacture crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) in Middeniya. 

At least two methamphetamine (‘ice’) containers were discovered on his land by police. 

Police obtained detention orders on September 7 to interrogate the suspect arrested in connection with the recent discovery of a stock of chemicals, believed to be used for the production of ‘ICE’, found during a raid on a property in Thalawa, Middeniya.

Dr Jayatissa also noted that several influential political families maintained close links with Manamperi family and further investigations are underway over the narcotic smuggling into the country. 

Late MP Raviraj was assassinated in Colombo on November 10, 2006, in broad daylight in Colombo while returning after participating a TV interview. 

In 2016, the Court of Appeal acquitted all five accused, including three navy intelligence officials and two members of the paramilitary group affiliated with K. Muralidharan alias Karuna Amman. (Northeastern Monitor/ September 11/2025)