No Official Word Yet: Sri Lankan Police Investigate Overseas Arrests

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities are actively investigating reports of two suspected members of an organised crime syndicate allegedly detained in Malaysia, though no official confirmation has yet been received through diplomatic or security channels.

Two suspects identified as Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salintha — are believed to be in Malaysian custody. 

However, according to Police Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler, Sri Lanka Police has not received any formal communication from Malaysian authorities, Interpol, or diplomatic sources confirming their arrest.

ASP Wootler revealed that on July 11, Sri Lanka’s National Central Bureau (NCB), attached to the Criminal Investigation Department, received a special message from Malaysia, indicating that two Sri Lankan nationals had been detained. In response, Sri Lankan authorities used photographs and fingerprint data to verify the identities of the suspects. One of the individuals has since been identified as a 20-year-old male.

Following this identification, Sri Lanka Police has formally notified Malaysian authorities, who are expected to proceed in accordance with their immigration and deportation laws. The outcome may involve deportation or further legal action,n depending on Malaysia’s internal procedures.

In a broader development, Malaysian authorities have shared a list of 26 Sri Lankan nationals currently in custody for various offences. Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), State Intelligence Service (SIS), and Crime Records Division (CRD) are jointly conducting investigations to determine whether these individuals are linked to criminal activities in Sri Lanka.

ASP Wootler emphasized that no official statements have been received regarding the names of suspects that are currently circulating on social meida, from Interpol or diplomatic channels. Nevertheless, Sri Lankan police teams have already traveled to Malaysia and Thailand to engage in discussions with local authorities and gather further intelligence.

The investigations are ongoing, and Sri Lanka Police is preparing to send detailed reports back to Malaysia regarding the 26 detainees.