Sri Lanka Police Arrest Suspected Organised Criminal Hiding Overseas

Kankanamage Dimuthu Chathuranga Perera, alias “Samithpura Chathu,” who had fled Sri Lanka and was hiding in the Sultanate of Oman, and against whom a Red Notice had been issued, was brought back to Sri Lanka via Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, in the early hours of today, 18.08.2026.

The suspect is a 28-year-old resident of Mattakkuliya.

The criminal allegations against the suspect are as follows:

* Aiding and abetting the murder of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias “Ganemulla Sanjeewa.” A Red Notice has been issued in connection with this offence.
* Aiding and abetting a murder committed within the Mattakkuliya Police Division. Warrants have been issued in connection with this offence.
* Possession of a live hand grenade.

The suspect has been taken into custody by the Colombo District Crime Division, and investigations have commenced.

Further investigations will also be conducted to identify and take appropriate legal action regarding assets suspected to have been acquired through drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities.