The Panadura Walana Anti-Vice Squad seized a Land Cruiser Jeep believed to have been smuggled into the country without paying customs duty. The raid took place at the Euro Nipon private vehicle yard in Dambulla, reportedly owned by Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe. The vehicle, valued at approximately Rs. 20 million, was handed over to the Dambulla Police, police said.
The Walana-Panadura Anti-Vice Squad informed the Dambulla Police that the confiscated vehicle was suspected to have brought the country unlawfully and was being operated with forged documents. The incident was reported to the Dambulla Police by the Anti-Vice Squad, prompting further investigation.
However, when contacted for information, ASP Dambulla Division Rukmal Thennakoon stated he was on leave, and inquiries were directed to SSP Matale Division Anuruddha Bandara. HQI Dambulla Police S.P.R. Ellepola was also on leave, and Acting HQI Sunil Karunatilleka confirmed that the vehicle seized by the Anti-Vice Squad had been handed over to Dambulla Police for ongoing investigations. The vehicle is expected to be presented in court.
OIC Walana-Panadura Anti-Vice Squad IP Indika Weerasinghe acknowledged the seizure of the vehicle on suspicion and mentioned that further details would be provided later, following his return from court.
Meanwhile, Director of Minister Roshan Ranasinghe’s vehicle yard, Indika Ratnayake, claimed ownership of the vehicle and asserted possession of legal documents supporting its legitimacy. Ratnayake accused the police of seizing the vehicle without prior notification to the owner.
