The Laggala Police have arrested 10 individuals, including a monk and five former army soldiers, in connection with a meticulously planned robbery targeting a gem businessman in the Hatthota Amuna area of Matale. The heist, carried out on November 10, involved the gang tying up the businessman and his family before stealing gems, cash, and jewelry valued at Rs. 62.7 million.
The robbery was orchestrated by a monk from a historic Raja Maha Viharaya in Mawathagama, and a portion of the stolen valuables, including money and gems, has been recovered.
Orchestrated by Monk and Associates
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lalith Rohana Gamage, heading the Matale Division, stated that the suspects include three former army soldiers. The police recovered two toy pistols, three knives, and the van used in the crime. The van driver, an accomplice, was also among those arrested.
The suspects, including the monk, were apprehended at the Mawathagama temple following a dramatic search. The monk, aged 42, served as the temple’s second-in-command and was found hiding in a ceiling along with his brother, who was also arrested.
Botched Bank Robbery Leads to Gem Heist
The gang initially planned to rob a bank in Laggala but abandoned the attempt due to tight security. They later targeted the gem businessman after obtaining insider information about his wealth. The monk reportedly gained this information from a resident of Wilgamuwa who sought his assistance at the temple.
Execution of the Robbery
On November 10, the gang arrived at the businessman’s house in a K.D.H. van. The monk dropped off the five ex-soldiers near the property and returned to the temple with the driver. The gang, wearing masks and gloves, scaled the wall and entered the property, threatening the businessman with toy pistols. They tied up the businessman, his wife, and his father before looting the house.
The robbers seized valuables, including a gemstone worth Rs. 1.5 crore, a tamarind gemstone valued at Rs. 1.5 million, Rs. 20 million in cash stored in a clay jar, and gold jewelry. They coerced the businessman’s wife into providing the password to the safe after physically attacking the businessman.
After the robbery, the gang disabled the home’s security cameras, locked the family inside, and fled in the businessman’s car, which they later abandoned in Galewela. They returned to Mawathagama using public transport.
Distribution of Loot and Attempts to Sell Gems
The stolen money and valuables were divided among the gang at the temple. Each member received Rs. 700,000, with Rs. 50,000 given to informants. Attempts to sell the stolen gems revealed further details. One gem, originally valued at Rs. 1.5 million, was sold for Rs. 0.9 million in Negombo. Another, worth Rs. 7.8 million, was sold in Galle after being cut into four pieces. Police recovered fragments of the gem from the buyer.
Personal Use of Stolen Money
The gang members used their shares for personal expenses. For instance, the van driver spent Rs. 300,000 on home renovations, while one ex-soldier used his share to repay a Rs. 1.7 million loan. Despite these expenditures, police recovered Rs. 216,250 from the suspects.
Police Operation and Recognition
The raid and arrests were carried out on the instructions of Matale SSP Lalith Rohana Gamage, under the leadership of Laggala Police OIC Chief Inspector Dhammika Padmaraj. The operation also involved Crime Branch OIC Inspector Anuradha, Sub-Inspector Priyantha, and a team of dedicated officers:
- Police Sergeants: (14751) Kumarasinghe, (21662) Ranjith, (39203) Chaminda, (67302) Ribera, (44868) Somaratne
- Police Constables: (87184) Rajapaksa, (82288) Amith, (83098) Weerakoon
- Special Bureau Police Sergeant: (79500) Jayantha
- Police Constable: (79755) Jayantha
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities confirmed that additional suspects, including two ex-soldiers directly involved in the robbery, are yet to be apprehended. One suspect has been detained for further questioning.
This case has exposed a criminal network led by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a religious leader, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and thorough investigations.
