The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has successfully identified a large-scale criminal network responsible for smuggling underworld figures, drug traffickers, and other criminals from Sri Lanka to India by boat.
Investigations have revealed that a group of brothers involved in bringing Kerala cannabis to Sri Lanka through sea routes are also connected to this network. It has further been discovered that, over the past few years, around 100 individuals — including powerful underworld figures and contract shooters — have been illegally transported to India with the assistance of this group.
Two of these brothers are currently in remand custody for their involvement in Kerala cannabis smuggling. The eldest brother, identified as Anandan, has been recognized as the mastermind behind the operation. The CCD believes that his arrest is imminent — possibly within the next day or two.
Among the six individuals recently captured in Nepal and brought back to Sri Lanka, Ishara Sewwandi was also reportedly smuggled to India by Anandan. According to police investigations, she was placed on a fishing boat and sent from Ariyala, Jaffna, to India after paying a sum of Rs. 500,000, allegedly provided by an individual named J.K. Bai.
Before her departure, Sewwandi had stayed for several days in two houses owned by Anandan — one in Kilinochchi and the other in Jaffna. Four individuals who had sheltered her in these locations and assisted in her escape have since been arrested by the CCD. The fishing boat used to transport her to India has also been identified and will be taken into police custody as case material.
Further investigations have revealed that underworld criminals and other wanted suspects have been charged between Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 1,000,000 by Anandan and his brothers to flee the country using this smuggling route.
Once in India, the fugitives are reportedly provided with shelter and logistical support by J.K. Bai and Ceylon Bai, both known associates of the Anandan brothers. J.K. Bai is among those recently arrested in Nepal and brought back to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing into the activities of Ceylon Bai, who was also reportedly in Nepal at the time of Sewwandi’s arrest.
Both J.K. Bai and Ceylon Bai are said to have operated human trafficking networks from Dubai, maintaining close ties with traffickers across South Asian countries — including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Maldives. Reports indicate that Ishara Sewwandi and others were taken from India to Nepal, where they were provided accommodation and protection by these groups.
Investigators have found that traffickers charge Rs. 2 million or more for offering shelter in India and arranging onward travel to other countries.
According to CCD sources, J.K. Bai, who is currently under arrest warrants, is providing extensive information about the network. Authorities believe that once Anandan is apprehended, further critical details will be uncovered about several prominent underworld figures who fled Sri Lanka to India by boat.
