A Lieutenant Colonel attached to an Army camp in Mallavi has been arrested by the Western Province (North) Crime Division on charges of supplying ammunition to underworld figures Kehelbaddara Padme and Comando Salintha.
Police said the officer was arrested after being summoned to the Crime Division to record a statement. His arrest followed information uncovered during the interrogation of Thilina Sampath, alias “Walas Kata,” who is currently in police custody.
Investigations revealed that while serving as a Major in the Army, the officer had Comando Salintha—now also in custody—as his assistant. The officer reportedly admitted to having supplied at least 260 rounds of ammunition on two separate occasions. In return, Salintha is alleged to have deposited approximately Rs. 650,000 into the officer’s bank account.
However, during questioning, the officer denied supplying any weapons to criminal groups.
Police confirmed that further investigations are underway to determine whether weapons were also removed and handed over to the underworld.
The arrested officer currently serves as the Commanding Officer of the Palei Nagar Army Camp.
