August 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have brought alleged organised crime figure and suspected drug trafficker Lalith Kannangara, widely known as “Bus Lalith”, back to the country from Dubai as police intensify investigations into a range of serious criminal allegations against him.
Police held a special media briefing following his arrival, with Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent F. U. Wootler saying the suspect’s arrest stemmed from information received by the Inspector General of Police on 25 October 2025.
According to police, Kannangara is facing allegations involving drug trafficking, murder and attempted murder, causing grievous injuries, extortion and arson. Investigators are now pursuing the allegations while the suspect remains in custody.
Wootler said Kannangara had been placed under detention orders and was being held by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau as investigators continued examining his alleged activities and connections.
A parallel inquiry has also been launched by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division into property and other assets believed to have been obtained through unlawful means.
The police said the latest repatriation forms part of a wider effort to track down suspects who have fled the country. Since 2024, authorities have brought 42 individuals back to Sri Lanka who were the subject of Interpol Red Notices, while arrangements are reportedly in progress to return another 109 Red Notice suspects.
Authorities have also repatriated 38 people who were not subject to Interpol Red Notices, with further returns expected in the near future.
The crackdown has extended beyond arrests, with law enforcement agencies pursuing the financial networks allegedly linked to criminal activity. Police said assets worth around Rs.3.878 billion have been targeted for seizure over the past three years.
Of this amount, assets estimated at Rs.1.549 billion were seized during 2024, while initial action was taken in 2025 to target another Rs.1.549 billion worth of assets. A further Rs.839 million in assets has been identified for possible seizure during the period elapsed in 2026.
Police said the identified assets would be frozen and could ultimately be forfeited to the State, subject to decisions by the High Court.