Police News

Based on information received regarding three suspicious individuals in an abandoned house in the Tangwatta area of Monaragala, officers of the Monaragala Police Headquarters conducted a raid on the night of 24 February 2026. The three suspects were apprehended and interrogated, during which it was revealed that one of them was the second gunman involved in the fatal shooting of a lawyer and his wife in the Akuregoda area on 13 February 2026. Investigators had noted that the description of the second shooter, previously circulated by the media for public assistance, closely matched that of one of the arrested suspects. Officers from the Western Province Southern District Crime Division, which is leading the investigation, traveled to the Monaragala Police Station, formally took the three suspects into custody, and transferred them to the division. The suspects are currently being held for 72 hours under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, while further investigations are ongoing. Among the three, a 39-year-old resident of Diddeniya has been identified during questioning related to a forged passport created using his likeness as the suspected gunman in the Akuregoda double murder. Accordingly, the investigation is now focusing on the two other alleged shooters who committed the crime alongside the individual arrested previously in the Ambalangoda Police Division on 21 February 2026, as well as the two suspects apprehended in Monaragala for aiding and abetting the crime. All individuals remain in custody for further inquiries.

The Police Special Task Force (STF) Camp in Vavuniya apprehended an individual in possession of approximately 13 kg of cannabis (marijuana) during a raid carried out in the Sinnappikulam area of Vavuniya on 23.02.2026 in the afternoon. Preliminary investigations have disclosed that the narcotics were intended for distribution and sale. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Vavuniya Police for further inquiries. The arrested individual is a 31-year-old resident of China Bay. In a separate operation, officers attached to the Police Special Task Force Camp in Nelliadi arrested a 23-year-old male in the Nagarkulam area on 23.02.2026 for possession of 1kg and 765g of Kerala cannabis. The suspect, who is a resident of Nagarkulam, has been produced before the Nagarkovil Police Station for onward investigation. Meanwhile, a 41-year-old suspect was taken into custody by officers of the Police Special Task Force Special Raid Unit during a raid conducted on the night of 23.02.2026. The individual was found in possession of 7g and 250 mg of “ice” (crystal methamphetamine), along with Rs. 102,000 in cash believed to have been acquired through drug trafficking activities. The suspect, a resident of the same premises where the raid was carried out, has been presented to the Grandpass Police for further legal proceedings and investigation.

The Southern Motor Sports Club, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, organized the 30th Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb 2026 motor racing competition at the Eliyakanda Racecourse on 21st and 22nd February 2026. Police Constable 77800 Dilan Ratnayake Niladaria secured second place in the 160cc engine capacity – Event 02 category, while Police Constable 94048 Bhanuka Lakmal Niladaria achieved third place in the 450cc – Event 03 category. Approximately 200 motorcycle riders representing the Tri-Forces and various motor sports clubs from across the island took part in this competition. Five competitors representing the Sri Lanka Police participated in several motorcycle racing categories during the event.        

The Criminal Investigation Department has received numerous complaints regarding a group of scammers who are impersonating police officers and defrauding members of the public through telephone calls. Several suspects have already been apprehended, and further investigations are currently in progress. According to information uncovered during the inquiries, these fraudsters use foreign telephone numbers that closely resemble Sri Lankan landline numbers to contact bank account holders. They falsely identify themselves as representatives of local banks and financial institutions and claim that complaints have been lodged concerning the recipients’ accounts. The calls are then redirected to individuals posing as officers of the Sri Lanka Police Investigation Division, who assert that legal action is being initiated in relation to the alleged complaints. During WhatsApp video calls, the suspects appear dressed in uniforms resembling those of the Sri Lanka Police and conduct fake interrogations, claiming to record statements remotely. To enhance the deception, the fraudsters simulate a busy police office environment during the video calls, creating the impression that they are operating from an official investigation unit. While questioning the victims, these impostors subtly and strategically request confidential banking details, including account information and card numbers, without arousing suspicion. Once they obtain this sensitive data, they immediately withdraw or transfer funds from the victims’ bank accounts. Investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department have further revealed that the stolen funds are transferred through multiple bank accounts and subsequently converted into cryptocurrency (virtual or digital currency not physically circulated) via accounts on Binance. The arrested suspects have disclosed that they transferred the illicit funds to various bank accounts as instructed by an individual who contacted them online, and that they received a commission for facilitating these transactions. As it has been observed that members of the public are being defrauded through this method, the public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and refrain from disclosing bank account details, confidential financial information, or data related to online banking accounts created using personal information to any unauthorized person. Furthermore, the public is kindly requested to immediately notify the Sri Lanka Police if they receive any information or suspicious communication related to such fraudulent activities.

The Colombo Crimes Division has arrested a 31-year-old woman who was in possession of 510 g and 440 mg of ice on the afternoon of 22.02.2026 while staying at Mathuragama Mawatha, Colombo 14. The suspect, a resident of Angoda, is scheduled to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on 23.02.2026. The Colombo Crimes Division is conducting further investigations into the suspect.      

The Western Province Southern Crime Division is conducting comprehensive investigations to apprehend all suspects involved in the shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife while they were travelling in a car in the Akuregoda area, within the jurisdiction of the Thalangama Police Division, on 13.02.2026, by two unidentified gunmen who arrived in a car. Accordingly, a team of officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, operating in coordination with the above division, arrested one of the suspected shooters in the Delduwa area, within the jurisdiction of the Ambalangoda Police Division, on the evening of 21.02.2026. A mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was also recovered. The arrested suspect is a 46-year-old resident of the Baddegama area.In connection with this incident, three suspects were arrested on 16.02.2026 in the Kottawa Police Division and the Athurugiriya Police Division, and one suspect was arrested on 17.02.2026 in the Kahathuduwa Police Division, on charges of aiding and abetting and criminal conspiracy. In addition, the Police Special Task Force arrested two male and three female suspects on 21.02.2026 on suspicion of facilitating and assisting the commission of this crime in various ways. All arrested suspects, together with witnesses, are currently being detained by the Western Province Southern Crime Division for further investigations.The suspected shooter has been identified as a person who legally left the Sri Lanka Army under the general amnesty granted in 2009 and is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today, 22.02.2026.It is further stated that the suspect depicted in the AI-generated photo image released to the public on 20.02.2026 is not the suspect currently in custody. Further investigations are continuing to trace and arrest the individual shown in that image, who is believed to be the second shooter involved in this crime.Members of the public who have any information are kindly requested to contact: Deputy Inspector General of Police – Western Province North : 071 8598008Divisional Officer – Nugegoda : 071 8591641Director – Western Province Southern Crime Division : 071 8592279

The 2025 National Wrestling Championship, organized annually by the Sri Lanka Wrestling Federation, was held at the Sugathadasa Stadium on 21st, 22nd, and 23rd January 2026. Police Constable 39821 Mr. H.H.P. Dabare, who competed in the 79 kg weight category, achieved second place in the tournament and was awarded the silver medal. In recognition of his outstanding performance and athletic ability, he has also earned the opportunity to represent the national wrestling team. All seven athletes who represented the Police team at this championship performed exceptionally well, winning their preliminary bouts with great skill and advancing to the semi-final stage of the competition.  

Arumahandi Janith Madhusankha de Silva, also known as ‘Podi Lasi,’ a fugitive organized crime suspect, was arrested by Indian security forces while in India and was repatriated to Sri Lanka via Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, on the morning of February 27, 2026. The operation was conducted by two officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. The suspect is scheduled to be presented to the Galle District Crime Division for further investigation under the stringent security of the Special Task Force and other law enforcement personnel. This individual is a primary suspect wanted in connection with drug trafficking and violent murders that occurred in the Meetiyagoda and Ambalangoda areas of the Southern Province. The rapid repatriation of the suspect was made possible through a robust mechanism implemented with the direct oversight of the Ministry of Public Security and the Inspector General of Police, along with effective cooperation between the two countries, enabling the return without the issuance of an international red notice. With this arrest, the Sri Lanka Police has successfully repatriated 14 suspects who were hiding overseas. Over the past three years (2024–2026), 29 suspects have been returned to the country through international red notices. Several key suspects currently evading justice abroad are expected to be apprehended in the future using 89 red notices obtained and will be presented before Sri Lankan courts.

Mr. Frederick Wootler, Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police, has been honoured with a People’s Award for the second consecutive time in recognition of his exemplary service in the Police Media Division. The Pride of the Nation Award 2026 ceremony, which acknowledges individuals currently rendering distinguished service to the country as well as those who made exceptional social contributions during the year 2025, was held on the evening of 22.02.2026 at the Foundation Institute. Previously, Mr. Wootler, who is also a LLB Graduate, received a National Honour Award in appreciation of his outstanding media engagement. His efforts include coordinating with media institutions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English to disseminate accurate information, and directly communicating important updates, guidance, and public advisories through the official social media platforms of the Sri Lanka Police, including its official Facebook page and website. The award was presented by Rector of the Sripalee Campus of the University of Colombo Attorney at Law Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa, . Attendees extended their congratulations to Mr. Wootler, commending his leadership of the Police Media Division and wishing him continued success in his future endeavours. Demonstrating initiative, resilience, and strong language proficiency, Mr. Wootler has served in several capacities, including as Officer-in-Charge at multiple police stations across the country. He is also a Human Rights scholar from the University of Colombo and has served for five years as a Police Advisor with the United Nations in countries such as East Timor and South Sudan, contributing to international peacekeeping and institutional development efforts. Moving beyond traditional media frameworks, ASP Wootler introduced the concept of producing a series of digital audio-visual programmes, including podcasts accessible online at any time and distributed through social media platforms. This forward-thinking initiative has modernised the communication strategy of the Police Media Division and enhanced public engagement. This latest recognition marks the second major award received by ASP Frederick Wutler for his dedicated service to both the public and the Police Media Division. Under his stewardship, the Division is expected to continue playing a proactive and influential role in the media landscape, further strengthening the relationship between the police and the community.

The Western Province Southern Crime Division is conducting comprehensive investigations to apprehend all suspects involved in the shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife while they were travelling in a car in the Akuregoda area, within the jurisdiction of the Thalangama Police Division, on 13.02.2026, by two unidentified gunmen who arrived in a car. Accordingly, a team of officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, operating in coordination with the above division, arrested one of the suspected shooters in the Delduwa area, within the jurisdiction of the Ambalangoda Police Division, on the evening of 21.02.2026. A mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was also recovered. The arrested suspect is a 46-year-old resident of the Baddegama area. In connection with this incident, three suspects were arrested on 16.02.2026 in the Kottawa Police Division and the Athurugiriya Police Division, and one suspect was arrested on 17.02.2026 in the Kahathuduwa Police Division, on charges of aiding and abetting and criminal conspiracy. In addition, the Police Special Task Force arrested two male and three female suspects on 21.02.2026 on suspicion of facilitating and assisting the commission of this crime in various ways. All arrested suspects, together with witnesses, are currently being detained by the Western Province Southern Crime Division for further investigations. The suspected shooter has been identified as a person who legally left the Sri Lanka Army under the general amnesty granted in 2009 and is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today, 22.02.2026. It is further stated that the suspect depicted in the AI-generated photo image released to the public on 20.02.2026 is not the suspect currently in custody.  Further investigations are continuing to trace and arrest the individual shown in that image, who is believed to be the second shooter involved in this crime. Members of the public who have any information are kindly requested to contact: Deputy Inspector General of Police – Western Province North : 071 8598008Divisional Officer – Nugegoda : 071 8591641Director – Western Province Southern Crime Division : 071 8592279