Kehelbaddara Padme Issues Death Threat to Senior Police Officer

The target of the threat, Chief Inspector Linton Silva Officer-in-Charge of the Western Province North Crimes Division reportedly received the threatening call at approximately 8:45 p.m. on August 3. The call came shortly after the arrest of 39-year-old suspect Gampaha Deva by the Airport Criminal Investigation Unit.

According to police sources, Gampaha Deva, believed to be involved in a string of serious crimes including murder, is considered a key figure within Padme’s criminal network. It is also reported that both men had previously met in Russia and Thailand, suggesting potential international links to their criminal operations.

During the phone call, Padme allegedly issued veiled threats targeting Inspector Silva’s child, attempting to intimidate the officer into backing off. However, Silva is said to have responded firmly, rejecting the intimidation and reportedly challenging Padme to return to Sri Lanka if he was confident in his threats.

Authorities have launched an internal investigation into the incident, while additional security has reportedly been provided to Inspector Silva and his family.

Police say this development highlights the increasingly aggressive stance taken by criminal networks against law enforcement, but assure the public that operations against organised crime will continue undeterred.