Condemning the killing, UN Secretary General said aid workers have a 'right to protection at all times'

Minister in charge of human rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, told BBC Sandeshaya that the investigators have informed him of the identity of the main suspect.

A Batticaloa resident, Sivakandan Vivekanandan alias Sharan, is suspected on abducting the Red Cross workers and later killing them, according to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

'Worst attack' against aid workers

Sinnarasa Shanmugalingam, 32, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Red Cross (SLRC) Volunteer Unit and Karthikesu Chandramohan, 27, SLRC Assistant Executive Officer were abducted in Colombo on 02 June by gunmen claiming to be policemen.

I was only informed of the identity of the suspect   Minister Samarasinghe on whether suspect is linked to any organisation

Their dead bodies were found in Kiriella, near Ratnapura on 03 June.

The killings, which marked the worst attack against aid workers since the killing of 17 aid workers last year, was internationally condemned.

Strongly condemening the "brutal killings" the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has demanded that the police thoroughly investigate the incident.

UN condemnation

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the security of civilians and aid workers in Sri Lanka and reminds all parties in the country that aid workers have a right to protection at all times," a statement issued by the Secretary General's office said.

	Police announced a big reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect

Asked whether the suspect is linked to any group or political party, the minister added: "I was only informed of the identity of the suspect".

Hailing the identification of the suspect as a 'significant step forward' in investigations, the minister praised the police officers for their effort.

"Police have been doing an excellent job," he told BBCSinhala.com.

Minister Samarasinghe added that police have also announced a Rs. 1 million reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect, Sivakandan Vivekanandan.