Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a dramatic twist in Sri Lanka’s fight against organized crime, a Lieutenant Colonel of the Sri Lanka Army has been arrested by the Western Province North Crime Division for allegedly supplying firearms to two of the country’s most wanted underworld figures, Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salinda.
Police sources say the officer is suspected of directly facilitating the flow of weapons to these notorious criminals, raising alarm over the infiltration of military resources into the criminal underworld. Padme and Salinda are wanted in multiple high-profile cases, including drug trafficking, armed robbery, and violent attacks.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala praised the swift action by law enforcement, underscoring that no individual, regardless of rank, will be above the law. The arrested officer remains in police custody as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the network.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about organized crime activities to come forward, warning that the government will take decisive action against those exploiting positions of power for criminal gain.
