Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala announced that major Sri Lankan underworld figures, including Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salinda, who were arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, will be repatriated within the next two to three days.
Speaking at a special press conference today (August 28), the Minister highlighted that the government has successfully restored the independence of law enforcement agencies, fulfilling a key promise.
He explained that the arrests were made during a seven-day joint operation carried out by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Indonesian Police, with support from Indian intelligence agencies.
The Minister further stressed that in the past, organized crime thrived under political protection, but the current government is determined to investigate and hold accountable those who enabled such criminals to gain power.
Investigations are already underway into the assets of these underworld figures, and preliminary findings suggest many crimes have political connections. He pledged that these links would be revealed more openly in the near future.
Minister Wijepala reiterated that “no one is above the law” and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and fairness for all citizens.
“Nothing is above the law. No status or position exempts anyone. Everyone is equal before the law. Our political goal is to provide justice, establish the rule of law, and make it clear that the law applies equally to all. Only by building a law-abiding society can we all live happily,” he said.
He also noted that red warrants have been issued for nearly 75 individuals, of whom more than 20 have already been brought back to Sri Lanka and face legal action. Steps are now underway to bring back those currently in Indonesian custody as well.
The Minister concluded by stressing that the government’s ultimate goal is to build a Sri Lanka where everyone—whether from the underworld, politics, law enforcement, or government—respects and abides by the law.
