The assassination was internationally condemned

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Fernando said that the two suspects taken into custody have admitted travelling to LTTE military camp in Kilinochchi to get instructions to carry out the plan.

"Now we are getting more evidence from where they have got that cardboard box to conceal the weapon used for the assassination," said the IGP.

LTTE link

The IGP expressed hope that the killers would be arrested soon.

He said the police are continuing detailed and scientific investigations to verify the testimonies and to find the killers.

Minister Kadirgamar was shot and killed by unidentified snipers as he came out of the swimming pool of his private residence in the capital, Colombo, on 12 August.

Government and the police accused the Tamil Tigers but the LTTE denied any involvement.

The slain minister, who successfully campaigned to impose an international ban on Tigers, was believed to be the number one target of the LTTE at the time of the attack.