Jan 09, Colombo: A controversial Sri Lankan government minister is likely to be questioned by the police over implication of his involvement in the murder of a ruling party local government member, sources said.

Sources speaking on condition of anonymity said the Minister of Public Relations Mervyn Silva is likely to be questioned for the murder of ruling party member of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Hasitha Madawala.

A coordinating secretary of Minister Silva has allegedly planned the assassination of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) local government member. He has also provided a T-81 rifle and a 9 mm revolver to be used in the murder, sources said.

Another coordinating secretary of the Minister named Saman Nishaman de Silva has coordinated the murder and he has also escorted the assailants to Negombo and provided shelter there after the murder.

Police had also said that the Minister's officials have informed him about the murder.

The vigilant airport police arrested the chief suspect, Rangana Kumara Perera, at the Katunayake International Airport Monday night, thwarting the attempts of the conspirators to send the suspect abroad.

Later, the main suspect divulged information to the police and the police arrested four other suspects including the two officials of the Minister, the rider of the motorcycle and the father of the gunman who abetted his son.

The 32-year-old local councilor had campaigned against the Minister over the alleged corruption and irregularities taking place in the Kelaniya electorate.

He was gunned down Saturday (05) near his residence in Waragoda, Kelaniya by two men on a motorcycle.