Organized Crime Suspect Arrested Following Deportation from Malaysia

An alleged organized crime suspect who was deported to Sri Lanka from Malaysia in the early hours of 26.06.2026 was arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, and subsequently handed over to the Western Province North Crime Division for further investigation.

The suspect is a 41-year-old resident of Kotugoda.

The Gampaha Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau had previously obtained Interpol Red Notices against the suspect in connection with the shooting incident that occurred in front of the Gampaha Courts on 27.07.2022, during which three alleged organized crime figures, including Paspodda, were killed and two others sustained injuries.

Investigations have further revealed that the suspect is a close associate of an organized crime figure who is currently in custody.

A 72-hour detention order is expected to be obtained to facilitate further questioning, and investigations are being continued by the Western Province North Crime Division.