Seven Sri Lankan youths deported from UAE arrive at BIA; CID launches probe

By T.K.G Kapila

Colombo, May 28 (Daily Mirror) - Seven Sri Lankan youths who were arrested and remanded by security authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of storing photographs and videos of drones and missiles used in the Middle East conflict on their mobile phones, and reacting to them through likes and comments, were deported and arrived in Sri Lanka on the night of May 27.

The group was flown to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, at around 9.25 p.m. from Abu Dhabi aboard Air Arabia flight 3L-708.

The deportees have been identified as 29-year-old Isuru Pradeep de Zoysa from Ambalangoda, 23-year-old Nilanka Namal Abeywardena from Marapana, 33-year-old Gihan Dhanushka from Bandaragama, 23-year-old Hewage Kalana Thatsara Jayaratne from Borella, 27-year-old Manorathna Arachchige Ishan Harsha Priyantha from Borella, 25-year-old Shahin Afran Nilavdeen from Polonnaruwa, and 32-year-old Fasloon Nisar Abdul Nasar from Wattala.

Following their arrival, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) attached to the airport, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), and the Police Narcotics Bureau jointly commenced investigations to determine whether the individuals have any links to underworld activities, organised crime networks, or drug-related operations in Sri Lanka.

Earlier, a group of 21 individuals arrested in the same case were deported on May 22 in two separate flights. Authorities said subsequent investigations into that group led to the identification of persons with red notices, alleged underworld links, drug-related charges, and connections to organised crime networks, against whom legal action has been initiated.

The seven returnees are expected to be handed over to police in their respective areas of residence for further investigations.