Police held a special media briefing regarding organized crime figure and alleged drug trafficker Lalith Kannangara, alias “Bus Lalith,” who was brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai today (25).
Speaking at the briefing, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler stated that the arrest had been carried out based on specific information received by the Inspector General of Police on October 25, 2025.
He further stated that numerous serious allegations have been levelled against the suspect, including drug trafficking, committing and attempting to commit murder, causing grievous injuries, extortion, and arson.
The Police Media Spokesperson said that the suspect is currently being held in the custody of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) under detention orders while further investigations are being conducted.
He added that the Illegal Assets Investigation Division has also commenced a special investigation into assets allegedly acquired through illegal means.
He further noted that, from 2024 to date, the police have successfully repatriated 42 suspects who were the subject of Interpol Red Notices.
Meanwhile, the Police Media Spokesperson stated that arrangements are underway to repatriate a further 109 suspects who are subject to Interpol Red Notices.
In addition, the police have already repatriated 38 suspects who were not subject to Red Notices, while arrangements have been made to bring several more suspects back to Sri Lanka in the coming days.
The briefing also revealed that, over the past three years, the police have taken steps to seize illegally acquired assets valued at approximately Rs. 3,878 million.
Accordingly, the Police Media Spokesperson stated that assets valued at Rs. 1,549 million were seized in 2024, while preliminary steps were taken in 2025 to seize assets valued at a further Rs. 1,549 million. In addition, assets valued at Rs. 839 million have been identified for seizure during the months elapsed in 2026.
He added that these assets will be frozen and subsequently forfeited to the State, subject to the outcomes of proceedings before the High Court.
