Police today revealed the charges against organized criminal Lalith Kannangara, alias “Bus Lalith,” following his repatriation to Sri Lanka from Dubai, including drug trafficking, murder, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt, extortion and arson.
Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said the suspect was brought back to Sri Lanka early today following his arrest in Dubai and a subsequent court order for his deportation. A team comprising officers from the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), State Intelligence Service (SIS) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was involved in the operation.
Police said Kannangara was arrested in Dubai in November 2025 based on intelligence obtained during the questioning of one of his associates who had been arrested in Sri Lanka. He was subsequently located at an apartment complex in Dubai and arrested by a Sri Lankan law enforcement team that had travelled to the UAE for the operation.
Efforts to bring him back to Sri Lanka were delayed after he challenged his deportation through legal proceedings in Dubai. A Dubai court recently ruled that he should be deported to Sri Lanka, paving the way for his return.
The 36-year-old suspect, a resident of Kalutara South, is wanted in connection with several serious criminal cases. Police said he is facing allegations relating to murders, drug trafficking, extortion and robbery. An Interpol Red Notice had also been issued against him in connection with a case before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court.
Police have also cited specific cases involving the suspect. An open warrant was issued by the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court over an incident on September 20, 2021, in which a person was allegedly shot and seriously injured outside his home in Nelunthuduwe. Another open warrant was issued over an October 16, 2022 incident in which three people were allegedly attacked with sharp weapons and seriously injured.
Following his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport at around 5.20 a.m. today, Kannangara was taken into the custody of the CCIB for further investigations.
Police have also launched a separate investigation into assets allegedly acquired through illegal means, as part of the wider crackdown on organised crime and drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, authorities said four other alleged organised crime figures, including Ranjith Kumara Dissanayake, alias “Konda Ranji,” have also been arrested in Dubai. Steps are being taken to bring them back to Sri Lanka as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime networks operating from overseas.
