Sirisena orders probe on assassination bid against Tamil judge

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered a police probe into the assassination attempt on a prominent Tamil high court judge and called for a special programme to strengthen the security of judges in the country.
Sirisena yesterday instructed Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara to immediately implement a watertight security mechanism to ensure the safety of all judges.
He asked the police to conduct an in-depth investigation into the shooting incident which killed the personal protection officer of Justice M Illanchelian.
The president also expressed condolence over the death of policeman Sarath Premachandra during the shooting, a presidential statement said.

Police said they have arrested two suspects and is searching for a third person over the shooting incident.
Justice Illancheliyan was unhurt while his personal protection officer was injured when an unknown gunman fired at his car on Saturday. The officer succumbed to his injuries yesterday.

Ilanechelian's car was caught in a traffic block in Nallur junction when the shooting took place.
The judge had claimed that it was an attack on him.
"I saw a civilian approach my escort and trying to remove his pistol. He fought for several minutes to grab the weapon," Ilencheliyan told reporters yesterday.
A fearless judge, Illancheliyan had struck terror in the hearts of criminals in the Tamil-dominated Jaffna town.

Meanwhile, the lawyers in Jaffna today boycotted their normal duties to protest against the attack.
"We urge police for comprehensive probe on the incident, Shantha Abimanasingam, a senior lawyer said.
Employees of various state departments and private bus owners association of the Northern Province also staged a protest condemning the assassination attempt on the judge.
Justice Ilanechelian had presided in high profile rape and murder case of Sivaloganathan Vithya, a young student in May 2015. The incident had caused much public outrage.
A deputy inspector general of police was arrested and remanded last week by the judge.