Sri Lankan authorities have arrested a police officer, an army colonel, and a former local councillor in connection with aiding and supplying notorious underworld figures, who were recently apprehended in Indonesia.
These arrests in Indonesia were the result of a successful international seven-day operation conducted by the Sri Lankan Police, Indonesian Police, and Interpol. The operation led to the capture of six individuals, including well-known figures such as Mandinu Padmasiri, also known as Kehelbaddara Padme, as well as Commando Salinda, Backhoe Saman, and Panadura Nilanga. On 30 August, these suspects were deported to Sri Lanka and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
The individuals are linked to the trafficking of heroin, crystal meth, and other narcotics across Sri Lanka, as well as to multiple killings in regions including Panadura and Gampaha.
Speaking to ITN News Sri Lanka, the Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, claimed that Kehelbaddara Padme had invested over Rs. 4 million in a factory. "They have produced ICE in Sri Lanka. This is a serious issue. The ongoing investigations are revealing more information. We will have to conduct more in-depth investigations into the matter," Minister Wijepala said.
He also stated that his department had found evidence of gang connections with police officers and other officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration to obtain forged passports.
The arrested army colonel, who was the commanding officer in Palinagar, was detained by the Western Province North Police Crime Division. He is accused of selling 260 rounds of ammunition for T-56 rifles, valued at Rs. 650,000, to individuals such as Commando Salinda.
Reports indicate that Salinda had served under this colonel as a major at the Commando Regiment Headquarters in Ganemulla.
Police have also accused former local councillor Sampath of acting under the direction of Kehelbaddara Padme, overseeing drug operations and involvement in arms trafficking.
Additionally, a Sri Lankan sub-inspector of police has been arrested on suspicion of maintaining close ties with Kehelbaddara Padme.
