Sri Lanka to repatriate underworld suspects arrested in Indonesia

Colombo, August 28 (Daily Mirror) - Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said today that steps are being taken to repatriate a group of wanted underworld suspects, including notorious figure Kehelbaddara Padme, who were arrested in Indonesia.

The arrests were made during a joint seven-day special operation carried out by officials from Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Jakarta Police. The arrested individuals include Backhoe Saman, Thembili Lahiru, Commando Salinda, Panadura Nilanga, and a female associate.

Speaking at a special media briefing in Colombo, Minister Wijepala said that discussions are ongoing with Indonesian authorities to bring the suspects back to Sri Lanka, where legal action will be promptly initiated.

Highlighting the significance of the operation, Minister Wijepala said that the Police Department's ability to function independently—free from political interference—was key to the success of the arrests.

Meanwhile, the photographs of the arrested suspects were released.