Police Spokesman F. U. Wootler said 21 alleged organised crime gang members deported from Dubai to Sri Lanka were brought to the country early today.
Among those deported were alleged underworld figures known as “Mahawatte Chamara” and “Kudu Duminda”.
According to officials, “Mahawatte Chamara” is to be handed over to the Central Crime Investigation Bureau, while “Kudu Duminda” will be produced before the Colombo Crimes Division for further investigations.
The group had reportedly fled to the United Arab Emirates and were later arrested by UAE security authorities.
The 21 suspects, including two women and 19 men, were deported to Sri Lanka on two Air Arabia flights from Sharjah.
The flights were initially diverted to Mattala Airport due to heavy rain around the Katunayake area before later landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning.
The first group of 10 suspects arrived on Air Arabia flight G9-587 from Sharjah. They were identified as Chanuka Pushpakumara, Kirupananda Kevtheman, Chalana Sangeeth, Mohammed Sapras, Kasun Sachchana of Minuwangoda, Madhusanka Pushpalal of Gampaha, Dinuka Prabath of Ragama, Dilshan Sugath Kumara of Anuradhapura, Ajith Kumara of Embilipitiya, and Pradeep Kumara of Negombo.
The second group of 11 suspects arrived on Air Arabia flight G9-502. They were identified as Chathura Buddhika, Gehani Goushika, Achila Niranga Kumara, Roshan Pradeep Rudrigu, Anuradha Upashantha Fernando, Supun Thilina of Marawila, Sulochana Sundaradas, Clarence Dinesh Madhusanka, who had been residing in the UAE, Thusitha Pradeep of Mundalama, Surath Thushara Perera of Wariyapola, and Saman Pushpalal Perera of Dehiwala.
After recording statements from the suspects, CID officers at the Katunayake Airport were expected to hand them over to the relevant police stations for further investigations. (Newswire)