• 3 more repatriated, at BIA under CID custody 

The Police Constable (PC) who aided in the escape attempt of suspected drug trafficker and organised crime suspect Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne alias ‘Harak Kata’ from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) custody and later fled the island, Munipalage Ravindu Sandeepa Gunasekara, has been arrested in India along with four others.

Four Sri Lankan suspects who were wanted over their involvement in various crimes and were arrested in Chennai, India, were brought to the island yesterday (19). One of the four suspects includes Gunasekara. They are currently under CID custody at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

Wickremeratne was arrested in Madagascar along with his accomplice Salindu Malshika alias ‘Kudu Salindu’ on 1 March 2023, in a joint operation by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and the Malagasy law enforcement authorities and Customs officials. The duo was brought back to the island after Malagasy defence officials informed the Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Ministry on 8 March 2023, of the arrest of eight suspects including the said duo. Wickremeratne had been wanted by the Sri Lanka Police for his involvement in multiple murders and robberies as well as transnational drug trafficking. 

While in custody, Wickremeratne attempted a failed escape bid at the CID premises in September 2023, with the help of several Police officers. One such PC remained at large after fleeing the CID premises while the Police even offered a cash reward of Rs. 2.5 million for a tip-off about the said officer, Gunasekara. During questioning, Wickremeratne had allegedly requested to go to the washroom and was escorted out of the interrogation room with his accomplice – the PC, and another Sub-Inspector attached to the Police Special Task Force (STF), assigned for the suspect’s protection. 

Although his handcuffs were removed at that point, Wickremeratne had then walked out of the washroom, acting as if he was still cuffed and had then attempted to snatch the STF officer’s firearm, leading to a scuffle. A group of other CID officers were quick to arrive at the scene upon hearing the commotion and managed to detain Wickremeratne in their custody. 

Amidst the altercation, the said PC had managed to flee the CID premises and had continued to remain in hiding to date while certain reports had later claimed that he had fled the country. An Interpol Red Notice was reportedly requested seeking his arrest. 

On 18 September 2023, the mother and brother-in-law of the said PC were arrested. The Police also obtained a 90-day detention order to interrogate them. 

A Police Sergeant, a PC, a former Army sniper and several others are currently already in custody in connection with the incident.