January 16, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has levied a hefty fine of Rs. 220 million on three individuals, including notorious drug dealer Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara, alias ‘Wele Suda’, and his wife, Gayani Priyadashani, alias ‘Suji’.
This penalty is considered one of the largest ever imposed in Sri Lanka under the Money Laundering Act for crimes associated with illicit drug trafficking.
The case, which has attracted significant attention, saw the court find the first accused, Gayani Priyadashani, guilty of 18 charges out of a total of 55.
Her husband, Wele Suda, was convicted on four counts, whilst the third defendant, Kambare Arachchige Wasundara, faced conviction on two charges related to the laundering of illicit proceeds.
Alongside the monumental fine, the court also issued a series of asset confiscations linked to the accused individuals.
Judge Adithya Patabendige, delivering the ruling, ordered the forfeiture of several high-value assets that had been registered under Gayani Priyadashani’s name.
These assets were identified as proceeds of the couple’s illegal drug trafficking activities. Amongst the confiscated items were luxury vehicles, including a BMW worth Rs. 4.45 million, a Prado Jeep valued at Rs. 6.6 million, and a Discovery Jeep valued at Rs. 4.5 million.
Furthermore, the authorities seized four properties, including a house situated on Bagatelle Road, Rs. 18 million held in a safe locker, 2,601 grams of gold, and furniture valued at Rs. 3.6 million.
In addition to the fines and asset seizures, the three accused were sentenced to eight years of rigorous imprisonment.
This prison term is expected to send a strong message to those involved in organised crime and the illicit drug trade.
The verdict underscores the government’s commitment to cracking down on money laundering and drug trafficking in the country, signalling a decisive shift towards greater accountability for individuals profiting from criminal activities.
Wele Suda, who has long been suspected of operating a vast drug trafficking network, has faced multiple legal challenges in recent years.
