Five Arrested Across Sri Lanka for Illegal Fuel Hoarding

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have arrested five individuals in multiple areas for possessing petrol and diesel without valid permits, following a series of raids carried out in connection with illegal fuel hoarding.

Police said one suspect was taken into custody in the Negombo area after officers discovered a tanker‑shaped lorry filled with diesel inside a private bus depot. Authorities noted that the exact quantity of diesel stored in the vehicle has not yet been calculated.

In a separate operation, police arrested a suspect at a residence in the Sri Pura area, where 390 litres of diesel were recovered.

Another individual was also arrested in the same area after police found 200 litres of diesel at a house where the suspect was staying.

Meanwhile, in the Meegassewa area, police uncovered 604 litres of petrol stored inside a commercial shop. One person was arrested in connection with the illegal fuel stock found at the premises.

Another arrest was made in the Monaragala area after police raided a residence and seized 270 litres of petrol and 630 litres of diesel. The suspect was taken into custody for possessing fuel stocks without the required authorization.