Jun 01, Colombo: The Criminal Investigation Department has arrested former Parliamentarian Duminda Silva while receiving treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.

The Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority R. Duminda Silva was arrested after the Supreme Court yesterday (31) suspended his presidential pardon with immediate effect and ordered his immediate arrest.

The former MP has admitted himself to the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital claiming a chest ailment today (01) after receiving the Supreme Court order to arrest him.

Duminda Silva who was arrested is currently receiving treatment at Ward 18 of the Jayewardenepura Hospital under police custody.

The apex court issued the order when a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the wife of former Parliamentarian Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, Sumana Premachandra, and former parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra against the presidential pardon granted to him was taken up for consideration Tuesday.

Duminda Silva was sentenced to death on September 8th 2016 for shooting dead four people, including former parliamentarian Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra in October 2011.

A five-judge Supreme Court bench comprising then Chief Justice Priyasad Dep, justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Priyantha Jayawardena, Vijith Malalgoda and Nalin Perera awarded the death sentence.

Duminda Silva was released on 24 June 2021 under a presidential pardon granted by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa later appointed former MP Duminda Silva as the chairman of the National Housing Development Authority.