The Batticaloa Magistrate today further remanded former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan until February 24, over the murder of former MP Joseph Pararajasingham.

Chandrakanthan, a former senior member of the LTTE, later broke away from the organization with eastern province LTTE commander 'Colonel' Karuna. He is currently the leader of Tamil Makkal Viduthal Pulihal (TMVP).

Pararajasingham was shot dead at St. Mary's cathedral church in Batticaloa while attending Christmas prayers early morning on December 25, 2005. Pilleyan was arrested by the CID on October 11, 2015, over the murder.