The suspect arrested yesterday in connection with the rape and murder of the 5-year-old girl in Kotadeniyawa has confessed of the crime, reports said.

The Suspect was arrested from a forest area in Baduwatugoda in Gampaha yesterday. He was arrested in a joint operation launched by several police teams with the support of local residents.

However, Police Media Unit said that the police do not use the word 'confess' in such instances. The suspect did reveal many details and is the main suspect in the murder of the child, the Police further said.

The police had earlier questioned and arrested two suspects including a 17-year-old schoolboy over the incident as well. They have been remanded until September 28 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. Police was heavily criticised for its conduct over the arrest of the 17-year-old schoolboy.