'Batuwatte Chamara' Repatriated to Sri Lanka

Organized Criminal and Drug Trafficker “Batuwatte Chamara” Repatriated to Sri Lanka

by Staff Writer 11-05-2026 | 7:16 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - An organized criminal and drug trafficker, Manoj Suranga Liyanage, alias 'Batuwatte Chamara,' who was taken into custody while overseas, was repatriated to the island last night (10).

Batuwatte Chamara was arrested in Azerbaijan about a year ago.

The alleged drug trafficker and organized criminal had fled the country and was hiding in Dubai.

He was brought to Sri Lanka from Azerbaijan via India at around 10:10 p.m. last night.

The 48-year-old Manoj Suranga Liyanage, alias Batuwatte Chamara, is a resident of Batuwatta, Ragama.

After being repatriated to the island, he was taken to the Colombo Crime Division under tight security.