Notorious Underworld Figure ‘Bus Lalith’ to be Extradited to Sri Lanka
Notorious organized crime figure and large-scale drug trafficker Lalith Kannangara, alias ‘Bus Lalith’, who was arrested in Dubai, is scheduled to be brought back to Sri Lanka tomorrow (24), police sources confirmed.
A special team of officers from the Central Crime Investigation Bureau departed for Dubai early yesterday morning (21) to escort the suspect back to the island.
‘Bus Lalith’, who operated a major heroin trafficking network and led organized criminal activities—including shootings and extortion across Hanwella and Avissawella—was arrested by Dubai police in October last year. He was subject to an Interpol Red Notice and had previously been arrested and released in Dubai, where he had brought his wife and two children to reside. Sources reveal he was a close associate of deceased underworld figures ‘Samayan’ and ‘Uru Juwa’.
The suspect faces numerous grave charges, including multiple contract killings and extortions:
2022: Contract murder of a Muslim businessman in Hanwella using gunman Ravindu Sanka de Silva, alias ‘Booru Moona’.
September 30, 2023: Murder of a businessman in Neluwattuduwa, Hanwella.
2023: Double murder of ‘Manna Roshan’ and his associate.
2024: Fatal shooting of Vajira Nishantha and the brother of ‘Manna Roshan’ in Hanwella.
July 06, 2025: Attempted murder of ‘Kotahara Podda’ and Dematagoda Ruwan at a Colombo nightclub.
August 12, 2025: Assassination of former Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha member Shantha Mudunkotuwa, alias ‘Bana Manthree’.
In addition to the murder charges, the suspect is implicated in at least 15 major extortion cases. His ongoing threats and extortion demands previously forced several business owners in Hanwella, Meegoda, and Kosgama to flee their homes.
Upon his arrival in Sri Lanka, law enforcement authorities will initiate comprehensive legal proceedings against the suspect for organized crime and drug trafficking offenses.
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