Police have brought down 14 suspects to Sri Lanka without the issuance of international red notices, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said.

He made these remarks while commenting on the arrival in the island of alleged organised crime figure and drug trafficker Arumahandi Janith Madhusanka de Silva, also known as ‘Podi Lasi’.

The spokesperson stated that from 2024 to date, authorities have succeeded in bringing back 29 suspects against whom international red notices had been issued.

“Through the existing State mechanism, during 2024, 2025 and 2026, we were able to bring down 29 suspects for whom international red notices had been issued. In addition, including the suspect brought today (27), 14 individuals have been brought to Sri Lanka without international red notices,” Wootler said.

He explained that these suspects were repatriated on the basis of immigration violations and deportation procedures in the respective countries, facilitated through the direct intervention of the Inspector General of Police and the trust established with foreign authorities.

Wootler further noted that 89 international red notices have been obtained in relation to organised criminals, adding that maximum efforts would be made to secure the return of the remaining suspects to Sri Lanka during 2026.