POLICE GRILLS ALLEGED ORGANISED CRIMINALS

Alleged organised criminals and drug traffickers, who were arrested in Jakarta and brought to Sri Lanka, are currently being held and questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Western Province North Crimes Division, Police sources said.

According to Police sources, the two suspects—K.G. Mandinu Padmasiri Perera (37), also known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ from Udugampola, and P. Nilanga Sampath Silva (36) from Pinwala, Panadura—are being held at the Commercial Crimes Investigation Division (CCID) (3) of the CID.

P. Shalintha Madushan Perera (38), also known as ‘Commando Salintha,’ is being held at the CID’s CCID (1).

Meanwhile, Lahiru Madushanka (36), or ‘Thambili Lahiru,’ from Kudagalaara, and N.N. Prasanga (35), also known as ‘Backhoe Saman,’ from Ulahitiya, has been handed over to the Western Province North Crimes Division and is being held and questioned at the Colombo Port Police station.

Police allege that Mandinu Padmasiri Perera is an organised criminal and a drug trafficker with a history of using illegal firearms for murder, engaging in drug trafficking, and threatening to kill police officers' family members.

He is also accused of planning the murder of alleged organised criminal, 'Ganemulla Sanjeewa,' inside the Colombo Magistrate's Court on February 19, 2025.

Salintha Madushan Perera is accused of being involved in brutal murders, large-scale drug trafficking, robberies, abductions, and extortion across the country.

Nilanga Sampath Silva faces charges related to brutal murders, large-scale drug trafficking, and the use of automatic firearms to commit murder. He is also accused of robbery, extortion, abduction, and money laundering.

The three suspects—'Kehelbaddara Padme,' 'Commando Salintha,' and 'Nilanga Sampath Silva'—are being investigated under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act.

The CID and the Western Province North Crimes Division are conducting investigations into their criminal engagements.