COLOMBO (News 1st): A pistol and ammunition were recovered from the vehicle of Former Western Province Governor Azath Salley, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday (Mar. 16), Sri Lanka Police said on Wednesday (Mar. 17). 

“A pistol manufactured overseas and ammunition were discovered inside Azath Salley’s vehicle during an inspection conducted by officers of the CID following his arrest,” Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st.

Further investigations are being conducted in this regard, he noted.

According to the Deputy Police Chief, Azath Salley will be detained at the Criminal Investigations Department under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Thereby, Azath Salley will be further interrogated.

Attorney General Dappula De Livera on Tuesday (Mar. 16) advised the DIG of the CID that Azath Salley had committed offenses under the Penal Code, Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with regard to a statement made on the 10th of March.

This was confirmed to News 1st by State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne who serves as the Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General.