The Ministry of Public Security has slammed viral fake images claiming to show Minister Ananda Wijepala kissing the ground during the return of underworld leader Kehelbaddara Padme, warning legal action against those spreading false content.
The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has issued a statement strongly rejecting fake and edited images circulating on social media regarding the return of Kehelbaddara Padme to Sri Lanka.
Padme, accused of running organized crime networks in Sri Lanka, was arrested in Indonesia through a joint operation by Sri Lankan and Indonesian police. He was brought to Sri Lanka on August 30, 2025, under tight security. Several Indonesian police officers who took part in the operation also arrived in Colombo on the same flight.
A short ceremony was held at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake to honor Sri Lankan police officers and express gratitude to the Indonesian officers involved in the operation. The event was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, along with Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya.
During the ceremony, Minister Wijepala presided over the presentation of plaques and awards to officers from both countries in recognition of their role in the high-profile arrests.
However, the ministry said it has observed fake news and fabricated photos being shared online, including one purporting to show Minister Wijepala kissing the ground during the ceremony. The ministry emphasized that these images are false and misleading, and that it intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for creating and distributing them.
The ministry urged media outlets and social media users to refrain from spreading misinformation, stressing the importance of sharing accurate details during sensitive operations targeting organized crime and drug trafficking.
