Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says steps will be taken shortly to bring back to Sri Lanka the underworld suspects, including Kehelbaddara Padme, who were arrested in Indonesia.
Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the suspects were arrested following a special operation conducted for nearly 07 days together by a team of officials from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Jakarta Police.
Addressing a special media briefing today, he further said that discussions are underway with the Indonesian authorities to repatriate the arrested group to Sri Lanka, after which legal action will be initiated against them.
Minister Wijepala further said that a special court will be established to expedite cases against organized criminals in Sri Lanka.
He pointed out that the arrests were made possible due to the Police Department being allowed to act as an independent institution, free of politicization.
Minister Wijepala went on to note that the government has focused attention on politicians involved with underworld figures, revealing that investigations are underway into such links and properties linked to such connections.
His comments come on the backdrop of the arrest of Backhoe Saman, Thembili Lahiru, Kehelbaddara Padme, Commando Salinda, Panadura Nilanga, and a female associate in Indonesia yesterday. (Newswire)
