Colombo, February 7, 2025 – Three high-profile Sri Lankan fugitives, including a former police Sub-Inspector implicated in multiple murders, were repatriated from Dubai to Sri Lanka earlier today. The individuals had been wanted by authorities for a series of violent crimes, with Interpol issuing Red Notices for their arrest at the request of Sri Lanka Police.
The repatriated suspects include Ranmuni Mahesh Hemantha Silva, accused of murdering five people in Beliatta in January 2024, Nadakandage Upali, alias ‘Rotumba Upali’, sought for a 2008 murder in Akuressa, and Pradeep Sandaruwan, alias ‘Kollonnawe Chandana’, linked to multiple attempted murders in Wellampitiya.
A special team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) escorted the suspects back to Sri Lanka following their arrest in Dubai.
Details of the Repatriated Suspects
- Ranmuni Mahesh Hemantha Silva (42)
- Accused of shooting and killing five individuals traveling in a Defender vehicle in Kahawatta, along the Beliatta-Walasmulla road, on January 22, 2024.
- A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Tangalle Magistrate’s Court.
- Pradeep Sandaruwan, alias ‘Kollonnawe Chandana’ (40)
- Wanted for the attempted murder of a person in the Wellampitiya Police Division on June 18, 2023.
- A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Aluthkade No. 02 Magistrate’s Court.
- Additionally linked to a series of violent crimes in Wellampitiya, including:
- January 31, 2022 – Attempted murder by shooting.
- June 30, 2021 – Attempted murder by shooting.
- June 5, 2023 – Two separate attempted murders by shooting.
- February 15, 2023 – Assault and destruction of property.
- Nadakandage Upali, alias ‘Rotumba Upali’ (39)
- Wanted for a murder in Akuressa on October 1, 2008.
- A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Matara High Court.
- Also implicated in:
- April 16, 2008 – A shooting incident in Mawarala, with legal proceedings ongoing in the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
- Abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl from legal custody in Urubokka, with an active case in the Matara High Court.
Legal and Law Enforcement Actions
Sri Lanka Police had sought international assistance in apprehending the suspects, leading to the issuance of Interpol Red Notices and their subsequent arrest in Dubai. Their extradition and return mark a significant breakthrough in law enforcement efforts against organized crime and fugitive offenders.
Authorities are expected to proceed with legal action against the individuals following their repatriation. Law enforcement officials emphasize that their return sends a strong message to criminals attempting to evade justice by fleeing overseas.
