Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to swiftly conclude investigations into 26 underworld members who fled overseas using false names and photographs, and to report findings to the court.

The order was issued yesterday (26 Feb) after submissions by officials from the CID’s Organized Crime and Marine Crime Investigation Division regarding the suspects, identified as powerful gang members who had left the country.

The Magistrate questioned why, despite court instructions to investigate all 26 suspects, progress reports had been submitted for only two. 

Police informed the court that fingerprint records obtained from the Department of Immigration and Emigration had been forwarded to the Fingerprint Bureau, but only two reports had been received so far.

The Magistrate further inquired whether all 26 fingerprint records had been sent, to which the police responded that they had, and that steps were being taken to expedite the process.

The directive relates to suspects believed to have obtained foreign travel documents through the Immigration Department by using other individuals’ names, villages, and photographs.

After reviewing submissions, the Chief Magistrate ordered the CID to complete investigations without delay and present findings to the court. The progress of the probe is to be submitted on May 4. (Newswire)

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A suspect known as ‘Madusankha’, alias ‘Samaposha’, who is believed to be a member of an organized criminal gang, has been arrested by the police.

The arrest was carried out by the Colombo North Division Crime Investigation Unit.

According to the Police, the suspect is a close associate of Gamagedara Saranga Pradeep, also known as ‘Welle Saranga’, a notorious organized criminal and major drug trafficker.

The suspect was apprehended in the Grandpass area, and the Police recovered 26.890 grams of ICE narcotics in his possession.

The Police further stated that the suspect is also connected to five separate murder cases. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana says he will take legal action against Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Priyantha Weerasooriya over what he described as false and damaging allegations linking him to organised crime.

Responding to the IGP’s statement that the threat to his life was connected to dealings with individuals involved in illegal businesses, MP Withana said the claim was baseless and intended to discredit him.

“I have no connection with the underworld. I have engaged in business legally since 1989. I have never been involved in any illegal activity,” the MP told the media today.

Withana further alleged that the IGP was angered by the fact that he had obtained police protection through the intervention of the Speaker after raising concerns in Parliament earlier this week.

He accused the IGP of attempting to create animosity between him and underworld groups, thereby putting his life in greater danger.

“I will take legal action against the IGP for these irresponsible and malicious remarks,” he added.

Earlier, IGP Weerasooriya told reporters that the threats to the MP were not politically motivated but related to his alleged associations with people engaged in criminal networks. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says 1947 weapons have been seized in 2025 alone, during raids conducted to tackle underworld and drug activities in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said that weapons are a key part of the drug and underworld networks. 

He further said shooting incidents are being reported across the country as certain underworld gangs are still in possession of weapons. 

Minister Wijepala also revealed that 78 T-56 firearms had been given to underworld gangs from a military camp previously, of which 36 have already been seized by the authorities. 

“The government will eradicate the underworld and drug menace in the country. We have introduced a systematic plan for this purpose,” he added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has called on the government to conduct an unbiased investigation into those behind underworld organizations. 

Speaking to the media today, MP Rajapaksa said that the government should not politicize the matter, similar to the arrests of a former Navy Commander and two high-ranking Police officers. 

“The country must know who is behind these underworld organizations. A neutral investigation must be conducted into this. Several wanted persons have jumped out of the country during the tenure of this government. The Deputy Minister himself has revealed that 17 persons have left the country using forged passports. But, they still haven’t revealed who those passports belong to. It is also said that two containers of narcotics have been released from the Port after inspection. Then what about the 323 containers that were not inspected? They are not revealing details of who released those. Please investigate these incidents too,” MP Rajapaksa said. 

The SLPP MP said the government must probe these matters and take measures to curb underworld activities, but warned that these matters should not be politicized and that a neutral investigation must be conducted. 

MP Namal Rajapaksa made the remarks while responding to questions on the arrest of Ishara Sewwandi, the mastermind behind the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa at a Colombo court complex in February this year. (Newswire)

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The Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the underworld figure ‘Tinker’ be detained for 24 hours from 02 October 2025 to 03rd October 2025, based on a request made by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). 

Sri Lankan national Sridharan Niranjan, also known as ‘Tinker’, was deported from Dubai and brought to Sri Lanka yesterday (01), after which he was handed over to the CCD for further investigations.

Interrogations of the suspect had revealed that he was involved in the shooting incident in Gnanarathana Mawatha, Peliyagoda, in August 2025, in which one person was killed and another was injured.

Based on the revelation, the CCD decided that 24 hours was insufficient to interrogate the suspect and sought a court order to extend his detention until 03rd October, for another 24 hours. 

Based on the court order issued enabling the detention, the suspect is to remain in the custody of the CCD until 03rd October, for further interrogations. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says information has come to light on Parliamentarians and Ministers who had maintained contact with underworld figures. 

President Dissanayake said investigations into the group of underworld figures arrested in Indonesia recently had revealed these details. 

“The group had been responsible for over 50% of the drug operations in Sri Lanka. They had also been involved in over 75% of the underworld activities in the country. They have also provided cash in various ways to our politicians,” he said.

President Dissanayake further said some Parliamentarians had received money from these underworld figures by visiting their houses every month. 

“Like collecting taxes, some MPs have visited the houses of these underworld figures every month to receive money. Some ministers have brought these people to their residences every month. This information has now come to light,” he said. 

Stating that these individuals have created a large network in the country, President Dissanayake assured to curb underworld activities. 

He made the remarks while addressing the event held today to launch the resumption of the construction of the Kadawatha- Mirigama Section of the Central Expressway. (Newswire)

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The Kalutara Crimes Division has uncovered a crystal methamphetamine (ICE) production factory operated at an apartment complex in Hambantota. 

During the raid, the Police officials found equipment and chemicals suspected to be used for the production of ICE and a vehicle parked at the resort, believed to have been used for transporting the drugs.

Authorities discovered 14 cans containing a total of 52 litres of chemicals suspected to be used in the manufacture of ICE, along with various other equipment believed to be part of the drug production process.

A 20-year-old resident of Wellawaya has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been identified as an associate of underworld figure Suranga, who was recently apprehended. 

The suspect is due to be produced before the Panadura Magistrate’s Court today.

This is the latest ICE production factory found by the authorities, following the recent arrest of five underworld figures in Indonesia. 

Previously, the Police found such ICE production factories in Nuwara Eliya, Middeniya, Netolipitiya and Kandana. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says a total of 15 Sri Lankan underworld figures with red notices have been arrested in Russia, Oman, Dubai and India.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepela said that the suspects include wanted underworld figures and drug lords.

He further said that measures are underway to bring them back to Sri Lanka following the completion of investigations by the authorities of the countries in which they were arrested.

Minister Ananda Wijepala went on to note that the government has taken several measures to apprehend wanted suspects currently residing overseas.

“Red notices have been issued on these suspects with the help of foreign countries. Facial recognition has been installed at the Katunayake Airport. The Police are maintaining a database of the wanted suspects. Islandwide raids, inspections, and checkpoints have been implemented to arrest those involved in crimes,” he said. (Newswire)

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The court has granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to detain five alleged underworld figures for 90 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The suspects identified as — “Backhoe Saman,” “Thembili Lahiru,” Kehelbaddara Padme, “Commando Salinda,” and “Panadura Nilanga” — were among a group arrested in Indonesia in a joint operation by Jakarta Police and Sri Lanka’s CID.

They were brought back to Sri Lanka last week and are currently being interrogated over their alleged involvement in organized crime. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police says, Indian authorities assisted the INTERPOL and Indonesian Police to apprehend the five underworld figures who were arrested in Indonesia recently.

Issuing a statement, the Police said that the Indian authorities, INTERPOL, and Indonesian Police had provided diplomatic assistance until the wanted suspects were brought back to Sri Lanka. 

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantah Weerasooriya has extended his gratitude to all those who assisted the operations, including INTERPOL, Indonesian Police, and Indian authorities, to capture the wanted Sri Lankan criminals who were hiding overseas. 

The wanted suspects were arrested during a joint operation conducted by a team of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officials and the Jakarta Police, and were brought to Sri Lanka on Saturday (30). 

The arrested underworld figures are Kehelbaddara Padme, Commando Salinda, Backhoe Saman, Panadura Nilanga, and Thembili Lahiru. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra says the successful capture of several leading underworld criminals in Indonesia is a significant step in the government’s collective fight against organized crime. 

Deputy Minister Hemachandra said that the arrests were made possible through the close cooperation of the Sri Lanka Police, the Indonesian Police, and the steadfast support of the Government of Indonesia.

“A special word of thanks also goes to the Indonesian Government and our international stakeholders, whose cooperation ensured the success of this complex operation,” he said, issuing a statement. 

Deputy Minister Hemachandra further said that this achievement reflects the NPP Government’s firm policy against organized crime, where diplomacy and global partnerships are harnessed to protect the people and uphold the rule of law.

His comments come in connection with the recent arrest of five underworld figures during raids conducted together by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Jakarta Police in Indonesia. 

The arrested underworld figures are Kehelbaddara Padme, Commando Salinda, Backhoe Saman, Panadura Nilanga, and Thembili Lahiru. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, says red warrants have been issued for approximately 75 organized and underworld criminals currently hiding overseas.

Addressing the media yesterday, he revealed that a significant number, around 20 of them, have already been brought back to the country.

Minister Wijepala further said that the remaining suspects will also be swiftly extradited and presented before the law in the near future.

The Public Security Minister went on to note that the six underworld figures who were arrested during raids in Indonesia will be brought back to Sri Lanka in the next few days.

“They will be brought back in the next 02 or 03 days. Discussions are underway with the Indonesian authorities to repatriate the group. Once they are brought back to Sri Lanka, legal action will be initiated against them,” he said. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala emphasized that the government will initiate the law against those involved in wrongdoing, irrespective of their status, whether a politician, underworld figure, or the Police. (Newswire)

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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)

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The Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, says that currently there is no threat to national security.

He made the remark while attending the official ceremony held to mark China’s assistance provided to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC). 

Sampath Thuyacontha further stated that underworld activities are not directly connected to national security, and that they are being managed by the Ministry of Public Security.

“There is no issue with national security. You were able to come here today without any problem. The underworld isn’t something directly linked to national security. It’s handled by the Ministry of Public Security. We provide the required support for police and national security, but only within defined limits. There is no threat to national security,” he said. 

The Defence Secretary further pointed out that at present, the underworld has been unsettled because it has lost political backing. 

“That’s why it’s shaken. It should be unsettled. Those involved in underworld activities are being apprehended. The Ministry of Public Security is implementing a plan. We provide support within the legal framework and boundaries,” he added. 

When asked if shootings were occurring frequently, because the underworld has lost its political protection, Sampath Thuyacontha acknowledged that that was one reason. 

“There’s unrest within the underworld. That has created disruption for them, which is why shootings are happening. That’s how it is,” he added. (Newswire)

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Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the eight suspected gang members linked to alleged organised crime boss Kehelbaddara Padme, who were arrested last week.  

According to the Police, the eight suspects were arrested with a haul of weapons during a raid conducted on a house in Gampaha on Saturday (19 Apr), based on a tip-off.

Investigations into a three-wheeler seized during the raid had uncovered a garage in Seeduwa involved in repairing and modifying such vehicles.

During an inspection of the garage, a three-wheeler, which could not be recognized, had been seized, while the 31-year-old owner of the garage had also been arrested yesterday.

Investigations had found that the three-wheeler had been sent for repairs by an individual living overseas. Further investigations had found that the three-wheeler seized at the garage had been stolen from a plantation in Ragama. 

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man from Galpotha has been arrested in connection with handing over several rounds of live ammunition to the eight suspects who were previously arrested. 

During a raid on the suspect’s house in Galpotha yesterday, the Police had found six fake vehicle number plates and revenue licences for those number plates. The Police had also seized four mobile phones and some narcotics from the suspect’s possession.

The two suspects have been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) for further investigations. (Newswire)

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Notorious underworld figure Amila Sampath alias ‘Rotumba Amila’ has been arrested in Russia.

According to Police sources, Amila Sampath was arrested by Russian law enforcement authorities. 

Russian authorities have notified the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Sri Lanka of the arrest. 

However, the Sri Lankan Police is yet to issue an official statement on the arrest. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the alarming rise in violent crimes, stating that eight murders occurred between the 18th and 21st of this month, posing a serious threat to national security. 

He criticized the President’s stance, claiming that he has downplayed the issue. MP Premadasa also warned that the ongoing violence among underworld gangs is escalating into a major national security crisis.

Speaking in Parliament today, MP Premadasa referenced a recent courtroom murder, highlighting media reports about an intelligence document containing colour photographs of a woman linked to the incident. 

The Opposition Leader emphasized the gravity of the situation and demanded a clear explanation for such a security failure, especially when intelligence information was available. 

He further urged the government to adopt a more systematic approach to handling intelligence data, stressing that the actions of these ruthless criminals have become a significant national concern. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to take immediate measures to suppress drug trafficking and underworld activities that are operated within the prison system. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), these instructions were issued during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat today (Dec 30). 

The President emphasized the need to expedite legal proceedings related to inmates involved in drug and underworld-related activities. 

He also proposed adopting online methods to streamline the judicial process and highlighted the importance of enhancing infrastructure to address challenges associated with such digital systems.

Allegations of certain officials’ involvement in irregular activities within prisons were also addressed during the meeting.

The President instructed that disciplinary actions be supplemented with appropriate legal measures against any officials found to be involved. 

The discussion also focused on vacancies in the Government Analyst’s Department, with participants agreeing on the urgent need to fill these positions promptly. 

The meeting was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Justice and National Integration Attorney Harshana Nanayakkara, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Attorney Ayesha Jinasena, Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya, and other officials. (Newswire)

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An accomplice of underworld figure ‘Matugama Shan’ has been arrested and brought back to Sri Lanka, it was reported.

The Police said the suspect, Geethmal Benoy Dilshan was wanted over several crimes in Sri Lanka. 

He was brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai by a team of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers today. (Newswire)

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