by Norman Palihawadane
"A special police team will be assigned to re-investigate the killing of Rev. Fr. Abba Costa of Thillanduwa mission, Negombo as police investigations so far on this killing had failed to bring the culprits to book", Internal Affairs Minister, John Amaratunge said.

He further said that on representations by several Catholic organisations in the area a team of the police under the directions of an Assistant Superintendent of Police commenced investigations into the killing and five youths arrested on suspicion were remanded but the killing yet remains a mystery.

Rev. Fr. Abba Costa was stabbed to death on May 10, 2001 while residing in an apartment at the Thillinduwa mission church, Negombo.