Underworld figure and alleged drug trafficker Lalith Kannangara, alias “Bus Lalith,” who was arrested in Dubai, has been brought back to Sri Lanka this morning, Sri Lanka Police said.
Kannangara was arrested in Dubai in November 2025 at an apartment complex following information obtained after one of his close associates was arrested and questioned in Sri Lanka, according to police.
A Sri Lankan police team, headed by Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa, Director of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), and accompanied by officers from the State Intelligence Service and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), had travelled to Dubai to facilitate the return of the suspects.
Police have identified “Bus Lalith” as a wanted suspect linked to organised criminal and drug-trafficking activities. His alleged network has previously been the subject of investigations in Sri Lanka, including arrests connected to suspected drug distribution.
Kannangara was among two organised crime suspects arrested in Dubai who were being brought back to Sri Lanka. The other suspect is Kavishka Madushan Abeywickrama, alias “Wanathe Chathu.”
Sri Lankan authorities are expected to conduct further investigations and questioning following Kannangara’s return.
Police have also said that 93 wanted suspects hiding overseas have been targeted through Interpol Red Notices, with at least 40 suspects repatriated to Sri Lanka during 2024, 2025 and the period elapsed so far this year.
