Batuwatte Chamara Detained for 72 Hours for Questioning Over Multiple Organized Crimes

Sri Lanka Police has obtained a 72-hour detention order to question a suspect known by the alias **Batuwatte Chamara, who is alleged to have been involved in several serious organized crimes, including contract killings and large-scale drug trafficking.

The suspect was apprehended in a joint intelligence-led operation conducted in Azerbaijan by the State Intelligence Service and Azerbaijan’s State Security Service.

Following his arrest, the suspect was repatriated to Sri Lanka on **10 May 2026** by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department through diplomatic coordination and was subsequently handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division for further investigation.

The suspect is a 48-year-old resident of Ja-Ela.

* The suspect is alleged to have maintained close associations with organized crime figures Ganemulla Sanjeewa, Kehelbaddara Padme, and Commando Salintha, and to have engaged in illicit activities including narcotics trafficking.

* On 6 December 2020, excise officers arrested four suspects and seized four vehicles transporting 100 kilograms of heroin and **100 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”). Investigators allege that Batuwatte Chamara arranged for the narcotics to be smuggled into Sri Lanka and directed the operation from Dubai.

* Investigations indicate that he orchestrated the fatal shooting of an individual within the Grandpass Police Division on 31 December 2023, allegedly in connection with a dispute related to drug trafficking.

* He is also suspected of masterminding the shooting on 25 July 2024in the Grandpass Police Division, in which a woman and a three-wheeler driver were killed.

* Further investigations have linked him to the shooting attack carried out on 13 December 2024 at a residence belonging to an organized criminal on Veedi Mawatha, Kandana, within the Kandana Police Division. Authorities believe the attack was executed by associates acting under his instructions.

Detention Order –

The Colombo Crimes Division has secured a 72-hour detention order to interrogate the suspect in connection with the above allegations and related criminal offences. Further investigations are ongoing.