The body of a Chinese national, who was allegedly abducted by a group of fellow Chinese nationals at the Colombo Port City, has been discovered concealed in a forested area in Karandana, Eheliyagoda.
According to the police, the incident began early this morning when three Chinese nationals arrived at the Colombo Port City area in a cab to engage in fishing. Shortly after, another group of Chinese nationals arrived at the location in two vehicles and launched an attack on them.
During the violent altercation, the assailants abducted one of the Chinese nationals and fled the scene, abandoning one of the vans they had arrived in. Police later recovered an air pistol from inside the abandoned vehicle.
Meanwhile, a team of officers from the Eheliyagoda Police, who were conducting a raid on an illicit liquor operation in the Karandana Gettukade area, noticed a suspicious pile of rocks in a nearby forested area.
Upon observing a portion of a human hand protruding from the rocks, the officers immediately inspected the site and discovered a human body hidden underneath.
The deceased was identified as a Chinese national, and investigators later confirmed it was the same individual who had been abducted from the Colombo Port City. The remains were subsequently transported to the Avissawella Hospital this afternoon for further forensic examination.
Authorities also discovered a motor car near the location where the body was found, which is suspected to have been used by the assailants to transport the victim's remains.
Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Woodler, stated that two Chinese nationals suspected of being involved in the crime were arrested near the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake while attempting to flee the country.
The suspects have been brought to the Coastal Police for further interrogation, and authorities stated that operations are underway to apprehend additional suspects involved in the incident. The exact motive behind the violent clash between the two groups of Chinese nationals has not yet been revealed.
In response to the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a statement requesting the Sri Lanka Police to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation to establish the facts surrounding the event.
The Embassy strongly urged local authorities to ensure the personal safety, as well as the legal rights and interests, of Chinese citizens residing in the country.
Reiterating that they are closely monitoring the situation, the Chinese Embassy further advised its citizens in Sri Lanka to remain highly vigilant regarding their personal safety, immediately report any emergencies to the police, and contact the Embassy for assistance if needed.
