The Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka Police has suspended assets valued at approximately Rs. 100 million belonging to J.A. Jayasinghe, alias ‘Bathala Heenmahattaya’, who is suspected to be the country’s largest cannabis trafficker.
Jayasinghe, a resident of Embilipitiya, is currently under investigation by security forces for his alleged involvement in large-scale cannabis trafficking operations. Authorities believe that proceeds from illegal drug trade were used to acquire the now-suspended assets.
The suspended properties include a commercial building housing a pharmacy situated directly opposite the Embilipitiya General Hospital, and a hotel located opposite Chandrika Lake — both considered prime real estate in the area.
According to police sources, the assets were purchased under the name of Jayasinghe’s wife. However, the couple has failed to provide satisfactory documentation or explanation regarding the source of funds used in the transactions.
In accordance with existing regulations, the properties have been temporarily suspended for a period of seven days, pending further investigation into potential money laundering and illegal asset accumulation.
The suspension comes as part of a broader crackdown by Sri Lankan authorities on organized crime and narcotics trafficking, aimed at dismantling the financial networks supporting illicit drug operations.
