News
Police apprehensions of criminals continue
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Janith Madushanka, also known as ‘Podi Lassie’, a notorious underworld figure and drug trafficker accused of multiple murders, was brought back to Sri Lanka from India on Friday.
Police said he left the island in 2024 after being released on bail, even though a court had imposed a travel ban on him. He was later taken into custody by Indian authorities in Mumbai on January 16, for entering the country illegally. After a formal request was made by Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police, arrangements were made to bring him back to face legal proceedings.
He was produced in the Baddegama Magistrate’s Court, and the Galle Police Crime Division was allowed to hold him for seven days to question him.
According to the Police, with this extradition, Sri Lanka has so far brought back 14 suspects who had fled overseas. In addition, 29 others were returned to the country through Interpol Red Notices between 2024 and 2026.
Police also stated that many wanted Lankan criminals are currently living abroad, and Interpol Red Notices have been issued for 103 suspects believed to be overseas. Of these, 89 Red Notices have already been obtained, and several leading suspects hiding abroad are expected to be arrested and produced before local courts in the future.
Another underworld figure, ‘Commando Salintha’, was brought to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court under tight security.
Salintha is a key suspect in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case, a crime allegedly linked to underworld rivalries. The CID submitted a report on his activities, and on February 27, the court ordered he be held in custody.
‘Commando Salintha’ and ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ were arrested in Indonesia in August 2025 during a joint operation by Sri Lanka Police, CID, Indonesian Police, and Interpol. They were detained in Jakarta and brought back to Colombo under legal custody.
The Sunday Times learns that the suspects in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case will most likely be taken into custody, as most of the evidence has been gathered.
The arrests of four suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs in Ahungalla and Ambalangoda also took place on the evening of February 27. Officers from the Ahungalla Police Station, under the direction of the Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Southern Province, arrested the suspects, including a woman, and seized large amounts of drugs.
During the operation, authorities recovered 13 kilograms and 32 grams of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) and over 14 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 500 million.
In addition to the drugs, police found 60 rounds of live ammunition (30 rounds of 9 mm and 30 rounds of 3.8 mm) in the possession of the female suspect. The suspects are currently being held for further questioning.
Courts are also focusing on criminals who fled Sri Lanka using fake identities. 26 underworld members supposedly escaped overseas with fake travel documents. The CID had sent fingerprint records for all 26 suspects, but only two reports came back. Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama ordered Police to complete the investigation and submit a full report by May 4.
Also on Friday, two individuals were arrested by the Colombo North Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau; a man in Kadawatha and a woman in Wellampitiya. At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of crystal methamphetamine (Ice): 6.54 grams with the man, and 3.1 grams with the woman. The suspects were handed over to the Police, who are conducting further investigations. They are currently being held under a seven day detention order.
According to the Police the arrests are in connection with a fatal shooting at a barbershop (salon) in the Jinthupitiya area on February 14, which resulted in one person being killed and four others injured. The 44-year-old male suspect is accused of being the getaway driver, using a three-wheeler to transport the gunman and firearm away from the scene. The 29-year-old woman is alleged to have assisted in the crime.
Also in the last week, the Police uncovered a plot by organised crime figures to murder a Police informant who had assisted in a major drug bust, with the aim of intimidating a senior officer.
The plot followed a drug seizure in November last year in the Kirinda, Andagalawella area, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Rohan Olugala. That operation confiscated a large quantity of Ice worth hundreds of millions of rupees and resulted in multiple arrests.
After learning the informant’s identity, the gang planned an attack. In February, Police arrested a man in Ratnapura who admitted to being part of the scheme. Investigators revealed that the gang intended to kidnap the informant in a vehicle disguised as a Police jeep, shoot and behead him, and then place his head near the gate of ASP Olugala’s residence to threaten the officer and deter future Police action.
Authorities have identified the mastermind behind the plot as an organised crime figure known as Angoda Priyankara. Investigations are ongoing.
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