Authorities discovered telephone numbers of 13 prison officers and photographs of models and politicians on the mobile phone of alleged organized crime figure Manudinu Padmasiri Perera during an ongoing investigation.
Investigators presented evidence in the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court revealing that the mobile phone of alleged organized crime figure Manudinu Padmasiri Perera, known as "Kehelbaddara Padme," contained contact numbers for 13 prison officers along with photographs of seven models and political figures. The discovery emerged as Perera and another suspect, Nilanga Sampath ("Panadura Nilanga"), were produced in court following the expiry of their detention orders.
The Criminal Investigation Department informed the court of these findings as part of an expanding investigation into organized crime activities. Perera has now been named as the 18th suspect in connection with the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, according to the Colombo Crimes Division. The prosecution requested that both suspects remain in custody pending further court proceedings scheduled for early September.
During the hearing, Perera's legal representative requested enhanced security measures while in custody and sought his transfer away from Welisara Prison. The presiding Magistrate acceded to these requests, ordering prison authorities to provide adequate security and placing responsibility for his safety with the Prison Superintendent. Additionally, the court directed that a summary of evidence related to alleged Prevention of Terrorism Act violations be submitted for review.
Both Perera and Sampath were among five individuals arrested in Indonesia on August 27 of the previous year before being returned to Sri Lanka for prosecution. Sampath was remanded until September 3, while Perera's case is scheduled for further hearing on September 4.
