Sri Lanka’s Top Underworld Figures Nabbed in Interpol-Backed Operation in Indonesia
Sub-headline: A joint 7-day covert operation between Sri Lanka’s CID, Indonesian police, and Interpol led to the arrest of notorious crime bosses—among them Kehelbaddara Padme and Backhoe Saman. Plans for their prompt repatriation have been confirmed.
Introduction
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement across borders, Sri Lankan authorities have successfully apprehended several high-profile underworld figures operating from Indonesia. The arrests are the result of a meticulously coordinated seven-day operation carried out by the Sri Lanka Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Indonesian police, and Interpol, with critical support from intelligence counterparts across the region.
Operation Details and Arrest Highlights
- The raid took place in Jakarta and its outskirts, focusing on upscale residential complexes where the suspects were believed to be hiding.
- Among the detained were:
- Kehelbaddara Padme (real name Mandinu Padmasiri Perera)
- Commando Salintha (also known as Salinda)
- Backhoe Saman (alias Nirmal Prasanga), accompanied by his wife, Sajika Lakshani, and their three-year-old child
- Panadura Nilanga
- Thembili Lahiru
- The arrest operation was executed with exceptional precision—even as suspects attempted to flee between residences, evading detection for hours.
- When cornered, the suspects allegedly offered a bribe of 10 million rupiahs, which Indonesian officers refused.
Criminal Profiles and Wider Impact
- These crime bosses are believed to stand behind a spectrum of serious criminal activities in Sri Lanka, including:
- Large-scale drug trafficking involving heroin and methamphetamine (ice)
- Multiple murders and shootings, including high-profile cases:
- A court murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, allegedly orchestrated by Padme and Salintha
- A triple homicide in Middeniya (Kajja and two children), linked to Backhoe Saman and Lahiru
Government and Security Commentary
- Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, praised the operation as a milestone in dismantling the nexus between organized crime and politics, underscoring the independence afforded to law enforcement.
- Authorities emphasized that this arrest marks a new era of accountability—“no one is above the law.”
- Sri Lanka is currently working to repatriate the suspects swiftly, in coordination with Indonesian officials.
- Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne noted the operation’s success relied heavily on regional intelligence sharing—from partners in India, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, and Indonesia. This follows earlier efforts that have led to the return of some 20 suspects to Sri Lanka to face justice.
Conclusion
This operation stands as a landmark in Sri Lanka’s fight against organized crime, demonstrating effective international cooperation and operational excellence. With alleged kinship ties to the most dangerous criminal gangs, these arrests—and their expected extradition—send a powerful message: that Sri Lanka’s commitment to dismantling entrenched criminal networks remains steadfast.
