The bodies of two youths, who were arrested by the police in the previous night, were found by the sea shore of Angulana on Thursday morning

Mourners gathered to pay last respect for Dinesh Tharanga Fernando and Dhanushaka Udaya Aponsu killed in custody last week called on the police chief to impose death penalty on those found guilty of the murders.

The youth were arrested after a complaint made by a woman in the same locality on Wednesday evening and their bodies were found by the sea shore of Angulana, near Colombo, on Thursday morning.

Police 'involved'

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said that initial investigations have revealed that the police officers taken in to custody are involved in the killing.

Leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF), Wimal Weerawansa, MP, said the accused police officers have 'ruined the good name of the war veterans' who safeguard the country from the LTTE.

Police in Sri Lanka are accused of a series of abductions, killings and brutal beatings in recent weeks

"Tough action should be taken against these police officers, including the officer in charge, who committed this brutal killing," he told BBC Sandeshaya at the funeral.

However, Ranjan Ramanayake, the leader of the opposition at Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council raised doubts over whether culprits will be brought to justice "in a country where there is a police mafia".

Politicians are coming over here and make various promises but they might later help these murderers Angulane Khemananda thero

"Many journalists were beaten, threatened and killed but nobody was punished for these acts," he recalled.

Angulane Khemananda thero, delivering a funeral sermon, agreed.

"Politicians are coming over here and make various promises but they might later help these murderers," the Buddhist monk said.

Police in Sri Lanka are accused of a series of abductions, brutal beatings and murders in recent weeks.