President felicitates officers for cracking underworld hideout in Indonesia

The high-profile arrests included notorious figures Mandinu Padmasiri alias Kehelbaddara Padme, Commando Salintha, and Kudu Nilantha, who had been evading capture in Jakarta. The operation was launched under the direct supervision of Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya and Senior DIG Asanka Karawita.

Working closely with Indonesian police, the two Sri Lankan officers endured days of intense surveillance under difficult conditions — surviving on minimal meals and sleeping in public areas to avoid detection. Their persistence paid off when the suspects attempted a last-minute escape from their safehouse, but were swiftly apprehended and later handed over to Sri Lankan authorities.

President Dissanayake hailed the mission as a “landmark achievement” in the nation’s battle against organised crime, praising the officers’ courage, dedication, and professionalism.