Two men armed with a T‑56 assault rifle stormed a liquor shop at Anuradhapura Junction in Trincomalee around 9:45 pm yesterday (18), threatening employees and fleeing with cash.

Police said the robbers arrived on a motorcycle and forced staff to hand over money, stuffing it into a shopping bag taken from the cashier’s till. 

When one employee attempted to restrain the man holding the bag, the suspect with the firearm fired shots into the air to frighten staff before escaping.

CCTV footage captured the incident, which showed the armed men intimidating workers and carrying out the robbery.

It is reported that later, police arrested two suspects in the Mihindupura area in connection with the crime. (Newswire)

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CCTV footage has surfaced showing a swift motorcycle theft carried out in seconds, though the area remains unknown.

The video captures a man wearing a helmet approaching a parked motorcycle. Within moments, he is seen hot‑wiring the vehicle and riding off. 

Another individual follows closely behind on a separate motorcycle, appearing to assist in the getaway.

The robbery, executed in a matter of seconds, highlights the growing concern over motorcycle thefts, which have been reported at increasing levels across Sri Lanka in recent months. (Newswire)

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Police have arrested the alleged mastermind and driver behind the Rs. 80 million robbery at a tourism and foreign employment agency in Thalawathugoda, where masked men stormed the premises, forced employees to kneel, and escaped with cash and gold jewellery.

It is reported that the suspect was apprehended in Mulleriyawa during a raid by the Western Province Southern Crime Division. Officers recovered Rs. 18.5 million from the stolen money, the vehicle used in the crime, and a stolen motorcycle.

The robbery took place on September 1, when three armed men broke into the agency, threatened staff with death, assaulted them, and fled with about Rs. 65 million in cash and 30 pounds of gold jewellery worth Rs. 15 million.

Police investigations have revealed that the arrested suspect had previously worked as a deputy representative at the same agency. He was heavily indebted, having failed to repay Rs. 15 million borrowed from the agency’s owner. 

Police said the suspect admitted that public humiliation at a recent wedding in Mulleriyawa, combined with his debt burden, motivated him to plan the robbery.

Unable to carry out the crime alone, he enlisted the help of a former civilian employee of the Nawagamuwa Police, who then connected him with two others from Bomiriya. 

About a month before the robbery, the group met at a house in Siddamulla, Piliyandala, to plan the operation. They used a rented vehicle from a Hanwella financial institution, fitted with fake number plates, to execute the crime.

After the robbery, the gang regrouped at the Siddamulla house and divided the loot. The mastermind received Rs. 20 million, the former Police employee took Rs. 15 million and the gold jewellery, while the other two received Rs. 8 million each.

The Police said from his share, the mastermind gave Rs. 5 million to a friend in Bomiriya for safekeeping, used Rs. 1.3 million to reclaim a mortgaged plot of land, and repaid loans taken from several women in Mulleriyawa. Police have since recovered all but Rs. 300,000 of the stolen money.

Authorities confirmed that information about the other suspects has been uncovered, and arrests are expected soon. 

The arrested chief suspect is to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court for an identification parade, while investigations continue. (Newswire)

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Police have launched an investigation into a Rs. 60 million robbery at a travel agency in Thalawathugoda.

According to reports, three masked men stormed the premises yesterday afternoon, threatening the owner and employees with sharp weapons. 

The gang arrived in a small white car, carried out the robbery, and fled in the same vehicle.

Investigators said the suspects first assaulted one employee before seizing the cash and valuables. 

The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which is now being examined by police.

It has been revealed that the robbers stole more than Rs. 60 million in cash, along with four gold necklaces and three gold rings worn by the institution’s owner.

The Thalawathugoda Police are continuing investigations to track down the suspects. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court has sentenced two former Police officers and a civilian to rigorous imprisonment over charges of robbery stemming from a brawl at a restaurant in Dehiwala in 2008.

Delivering judgment after a lengthy trial, High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli ruled that the charges had been proven. 

The Attorney General had filed the case against the three accused, alleging their involvement in robbery following the altercation.

The civilian found guilty was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment, while the two former Police officers were each handed three‑year rigorous prison terms. (Newswire)

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Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today granted permission to detain and question for 24 hours the son of former State Minister Shantha Bandara, who was arrested by the Colpetty Police in connection with the robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national.

Police informed the court that the Inspector General of Police has handed over further investigations to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). CID officers appearing before court requested detention to continue questioning.

The Magistrate ordered the case to be recalled tomorrow (23) at 2.30 pm for further proceedings.

This order followed submissions made by Colpetty Police after presenting the suspect before court. (Newswire)

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The son of former State Minister Shantha Bandara is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (22) in connection with the robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national, it was reported. 

According to the Police, he was arrested yesterday after surrendering to the Colpetty Police while giving a statement.

The robbery occurred on July 13 in Colpetty, when two men posing as police officers stopped a Chinese national travelling in a vehicle. They checked his travel documents, and fled with a bag containing Rs. 20 million. The incident was captured on CCTV.

It is reported that officers of the Colpetty Anti‑Narcotics Unit, engaged in a drug raid nearby, witnessed the incident and arrested one suspect. Though he initially claimed to have acted alone, further interrogation and phone analysis led the Police to identify four more suspects.

Three additional individuals, including another Chinese national, were later arrested. 

Investigations revealed that Shantha Bandara’s son and others had been waiting nearby to divide the stolen money, but had fled upon learning of the arrests.

Subsequently, the former minister’s son surrendered to the Police and was taken into custody. (Newswire)

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The Western Province North Crime Division has arrested three additional suspects in connection with a vehicle robbery carried out following a fraudulent online sale, Sri Lanka Police announced.

The arrests were made yesterday (16), as part of investigations into a case where a van advertised for sale on Facebook was later robbed in a premeditated operation after the transaction.

Police said investigations have revealed that around ten individuals, including the owner of a vehicle sales business, were allegedly involved in the crime. Prior to these arrests, another suspect was taken into custody in Yakkala on July 13, 2026.

The newly arrested suspects are aged 32, 36, and 38, and are residents of Thihariya, Giriulla, and Udugampola. They are scheduled to be produced before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court today (17).

The Western Province North Crime Division is continuing investigations to identify and apprehend all other individuals connected to the offence. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with the break‑in at the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat Office on 12 June 2026, where files were removed and property damaged.

According to the Police, investigations by the Dambulla Police Station uncovered photographs and video footage of the suspect, which have now been circulated to media institutions to aid in the search.

Police said the same suspect has also been identified as wanted for a previous incident involving the break‑in and theft at the Thambuttegama Divisional Secretariat Office.

Authorities urged anyone with information to contact investigators through the following numbers:

• Officer‑in‑Charge, Dambulla Police Station: 7071‑8591091
• Dambulla Police Station: 066‑2284703 (Newswire)

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Police have arrested a 42‑year‑old resident of Meepitiya in connection with the robbery of a gold pawn center in Main Street, Kegalle.

The suspect was taken into custody in the Katugastota area on Wednesday (24) along with part of the stolen jewellery weighing 38.39 grams.

According to police, two individuals had stormed the pawn center on Tuesday (23), injuring the custodian and threatening him before fleeing with gold items valued at approximately Rs. 21.3 million.

The Kegalle Police Division has launched further investigations into the incident and is pursuing additional suspects linked to the crime. (Newswire)

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A rural bank in the Koralaima area in the Moragahahena Police Division was robbed early this morning when three suspects broke open a safe and escaped with a stock of gold jewellery.

Police said the incident occurred around 1.00 am when the group entered the bank premises, tied up the security officers on duty, and gained access through a window of the washroom at the back of the building.

The suspects then broke open the safe and stole the jewellery before fleeing. 

The Police further said that none of the suspects have been arrested so far, and investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Officers of the Western Province South Crimes Division have arrested a 27‑year‑old resident of Ratmalana in connection with house‑breaking and theft of property. 

The suspect was taken into custody last morning (17) in the Ratmalana area of the Mount Lavinia Police Division, following a tip-off, and was presented to the Moratumulla Police Station.

Further investigations revealed the suspect was wanted for a series of house‑breaking and theft crimes committed in the Moratumulla and Piliyandala Police divisions. 

Police recovered a stolen mobile phone, 25 copper rods, a gold ring, and a pawn receipt from his possession.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Moratumulla Police. (Newswire)

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Two 24‑year‑old residents of Gothami Road, Borella, have been arrested in connection with the robbery of a taxi driver in the Welikada Police Division on Sunday (31), the Police said.

Investigations have revealed that the suspects are linked to multiple similar robberies targeting drivers of hired vehicles.

At the time of the arrest of the suspects yesterday, the Police recovered quantities of ICE narcotics in their possession.

According to the Police, the duo had robbed Rs. 80,000 from a driver in Rajagiriya on May 29, Rs. 40,000 along with a necklace and two Bluetooth headsets from another driver the same day, and Rs. 3,000 with a mobile phone from a three‑wheeler driver in Gothami Road on May 7. 

One of the suspects had previously been arrested for another robbery involving Rs. 5,500 and a mobile phone.

Another suspect connected to yesterday’s robbery has been arrested by the Welikada Police. 

Further investigations are being carried out by the Borella and Welikada Police Stations. (Newswire)

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Police in Ratnapura have arrested a 35‑year‑old suspect in connection with a robbery involving gems, gold jewellery, and other valuables from a house in the Welihinda area in Kuruwita.

According to the Police, officers from the Ratnapura Police Station carried out the arrest on Tuesday (12) after receiving information about a break‑in.

Per the complaint, the suspect allegedly entered a house at night, threatened occupants with a knife, and stole gems, gold jewellery, and other property. 

The suspect was taken into custody along with the stolen items.

He was produced before the Ratnapura Magistrate’s Court yesterday and remanded until May 25.

The Ratnapura Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigation Division of Hatton Police has appealed to the public for assistance in locating a suspect who attempted to break into two Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of a private bank in Hatton town.

Police said the suspect arrived at the bank branch in the early hours of Monday (04) and tried to remove two ATMs to steal money. The attempt failed, and the suspect fled the scene.

The bank’s management has lodged a complaint with Hatton Police, submitting CCTV footage and photographs showing the suspect attempting to dismantle the machines.

The Hatton Police Criminal Division has urged anyone with information about the suspect to contact the Hatton Police Criminal Investigation Division immediately via the hotline +94 76 167 0258. (Newswire)

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A 49‑year‑old owner of a pharmacy in Wattala has been arrested in connection with the shocking case in Kokkadicholai, Batticaloa, where women were allegedly lured, drugged, robbed, and thrown into wells. 

The suspect was taken into custody on Sunday (29) by officers of the Eastern Province Crimes Division and produced before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court the following day, where he was detained for 03 days for interrogation.

Police say this latest arrest brings the total number of suspects to six as the investigation widens. 

Authorities allege the group targeted women travelling alone, enticing them into a three‑wheeler before administering intoxicating substances, stealing jewellery, and abandoning them in wells while unconscious.

One victim died, while another survived and was admitted to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. In a separate incident, a mother travelling with her three‑year‑old child was attacked. The child was later found abandoned but safe. (Newswire)

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A 19-year-old woman has been arrested over the alleged theft of Rs. 620,000 from a Russian tourist who was staying at a guesthouse in the Pillagoda area of Unawatuna, police said.

The suspect is the daughter of the owner of the tourist accommodation, according to the Unawatuna Tourist Police.

Police said the arrest was made following a complaint lodged by the foreign national, who had reported that a sum of Rs. 620,000 had been stolen from his possession while he was staying at the premises.

Officers launched an immediate investigation and made the arrest within hours.

Investigators said hidden camera footage installed inside the room by the tourist had captured images of the suspect allegedly entering the room without permission. The footage was used as key evidence in the investigation.

Police also said information has emerged suggesting that similar incidents may have taken place at the same guesthouse on previous occasions. Further inquiries are being conducted to determine whether there are additional complaints linked to the premises.

The suspect is due to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court today (24 Feb). The Unawatuna Tourist Police are continuing investigations. (Newswire)

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A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with threatening and robbing a woman of Rs. 1.5 million in the Millaniya area this week.

The Panadura Division Crimes Investigation Unit launched a probe into the incident that occurred on January 15.

The suspect was arrested along with a motorcycle and Rs. 490,000 from the stolen cash in the Wadduwa area yesterday.

According to the Police, the suspect is a resident of Waskaduwa. (Newswire)

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Police tracked down two robbery suspects by reviewing footage from nearly 500 CCTV cameras across Colombo and surrounding areas, following a daring early-morning theft in Wellawatte.

The incident took place on August 15, around 4.25 a.m., when a female doctor waiting near a bus halt was threatened with a sharp weapon and robbed of her handbag containing a laptop, a gold chain, and other valuables and cash worth nearly Rs. 453,000.

Investigators from the Wellawatte Police spent 10 days analyzing video from cameras installed along about 73 kilometres of main and byroads. Their efforts led to the arrest of two suspects in Eheliyagoda and the recovery of the stolen laptop and gold chain.

Police identified the suspects as a 44-year-old resident of Avissawella and a 40-year-old resident of Eheliyagoda.

The search continues for a third suspect and the remaining stolen property. (Newswire)

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A group of Chinese nationals residing in Sri Lanka have allegedly abducted a fellow Chinese businessman and robbed him of approximately USD 60,000.

According to the Police, the victim, who operates a store on R.A. De Mel Mawatha in Colpetty, was abducted around 9:00 pm last Friday (22). 

He was reportedly taken away in a vehicle and held captive in a building for about a day.

During his confinement, the suspects allegedly carried out the robbery by transferring the money online. 

The Police said the suspects had later abandoned him on a roadside on Saturday afternoon (23). 

The victim is reported to have received treatment at a private hospital in Narahenpita for injuries sustained during the abduction.

The Police said he had filed an official complaint with the Colpetty Police last evening. Investigations are underway into the incident. (Newswire)

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