A Colombo magistrate has ordered investigators to expedite inquiries into 26 suspected underworld figures accused of fleeing Sri Lanka using false identities, directing police to complete pending forensic work and report back to court within a fixed timeline.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the directive after reviewing submissions from the Criminal Investigation Department regarding the progress of the investigation.
Police informed the court that fingerprint records obtained through the Department of Immigration and Emigration had been forwarded to the Fingerprint Office, but only two analytical reports had been received so far. The Magistrate questioned why analysis had been completed for only a small number of suspects and whether all relevant material had been submitted. Investigators acknowledged that only some reports had been sent due to workload constraints of the officer handling the case.
The court ordered that all remaining fingerprint records be forwarded immediately and directed authorities to submit a comprehensive progress report in the coming days. The matter is scheduled to be called again on May 4 for further review.
In a related development, Janith Madhusankha de Silva, also known as Podi Lasi, is expected to be brought back to Sri Lanka after being held in India. Officials said arrangements were made with the assistance of Interpol following diplomatic coordination between law enforcement agencies.
The suspect had earlier been granted bail in a case before the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court but later left the country despite a travel ban. He was arrested again in Mumbai in January 2025 while attempting to depart using a forged passport.
Authorities stated that legal proceedings abroad delayed his return, and arrangements have now been finalized to repatriate him after nearly a year. Investigations are continuing into how multiple suspects allegedly managed to leave the country under assumed names, as law enforcement agencies work to establish identities and determine possible violations of immigration and criminal laws.
