A major international operation led by Sri Lanka Police has resulted in the capture of five notorious underworld criminals and an accomplice in Indonesia. This is considered the largest overseas operation ever conducted by Sri Lanka Police against organized crime.
Arrested Individuals
The arrested suspects include:
- Kehelbaddara Padme
- Commando Salinda
- Panadura Nilanga
- Bako Saman
- Thambili Lahiru
- Along with the wife of Bako Saman
They were wanted for involvement in murders, drug trafficking, threats, and intimidation in Sri Lanka, while operating from abroad.
Operation Details
- The arrests were made with the assistance of Interpol, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Indonesia, and the Indonesian Police.
- The suspects had been living in Indonesia using fake passports.
- Their passports had been deliberately destroyed, so new documents had to be arranged for extradition.
- A 10-member Sri Lankan Police team will escort them back to the country soon.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with support from intelligence units, had been tracking these criminals since July. Initially, reports suggested they were in Malaysia, after which investigations spread to Thailand and Indonesia. Eventually, surveillance revealed their movements across land and sea routes, leading to a coordinated strike.
Surveillance & Capture
- The suspects had been staying in luxury apartment complexes in Jakarta.
- On the 27th, they gathered in one location, allowing authorities to arrest them.
- Some attempted to flee, but surveillance teams and undercover Indonesian officers prevented their escape.
- Investigations revealed they had planned to move to another country out of fear of police pursuit.
When arrested, they were reportedly terrified, with reports stating some even lost bladder control in fear.
Background of Key Suspects
- Kehelbaddara Padme: Accused of orchestrating the murder of Pas Podda and two others in Gampaha (2022) and the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa (2024).
- Commando Salinda: Linked to the Ganemulla Sanjeewa killing and known for violent gang leadership.
- Bako Saman: Connected to the Middeniya triple murder (February 2024), where Kajja and his two children were shot dead.
- Thambili Lahiru: Carried out the Middeniya murders on Bako Saman’s orders while he was abroad.
- Panadura Nilanga: A drug trafficker involved in numerous crimes in Panadura and surrounding areas. Shortly after his arrest, his relative was shot dead by a rival gang in Panadura.
The arrested woman is identified as the wife of Bako Saman, who had a child with her at the time of arrest.
Wider Criminal Network
Investigations show these criminals:
- Had been moving between Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
- Were in contact with international drug traffickers to smuggle large consignments of drugs into Sri Lanka.
- Planned to enter a European country eventually but were using Indonesia as their base for operations.
Police Statements
Sri Lankan Police confirmed that Interpol Red Notices had already been issued for three suspects, while two others were under court warrants. Continuous technical surveillance by CID made it possible to track and corner them abroad.
Authorities believe that other major underworld figures still abroad are also under close watch and may soon be captured in similar operations.
Sri Lanka Police, with the support of Interpol and Indonesian authorities, arrested five notorious underworld criminals and an accomplice in Jakarta. They were linked to several murders and major drug trafficking operations in Sri Lanka. This is the largest overseas anti-crime operation in Sri Lankan police history, and the suspects are expected to be extradited soon.
