Army Lt. Colonel arrested for supplying ammo to underworld

Police said the officer was taken into custody after being summoned to record a statement, following revelations made during the interrogation of Thilina Sampath, alias Walas Kata, who is currently in police custody.

Investigations revealed that while serving as a Major in the Army, the officer had underworld figure Comando Salintha—now also in custody—as his assistant. According to police, the officer admitted to providing at least 260 rounds of ammunition on two occasions. In return, Salintha is alleged to have deposited around Rs. 650,000 into the officer’s bank account.

However, the Lieutenant Colonel has denied supplying any weapons to criminal groups.

Police further said that investigations are underway to determine whether weapons were also removed and handed over to the underworld.

The arrested officer is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the Palei Nagar Army Camp.