Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Colombo, Nishantha Soysa, yesterday (15) firmly challenged the prevailing narrative circulating on social media and in mainstream media regarding the demeanour of several recently arrested high-profile organised criminals and underworld figures such as Kehelbaddara Padme and Ishara Sewwandi, who are often portrayed as remarkably calm.

Speaking on Ada Derana Wada Pitiya, hosted by Chathura Alwis, DIG Soysa made these remarks in response to a question posed by the host.

Alwis noted that public commentary has suggested these individuals show “not even a smudge of fear,” often described as smiling and arriving “very simply,” which has led to a perception that they feel neither shame nor concern.

However, DIG Soysa disputed the authenticity of such appearances, suggesting that these suspects were merely “putting on a good face” when being brought back to Sri Lanka or presented before the media.

“Come with me personally inside the CCD; I will show you how they behave—crying and doing all sorts of things,” he said, claiming that their apparent composure in public masks their actual distress and fear behind the scenes.

DIG Soysa further explained that when these individuals interact with the police or the judiciary, their behaviour is “lower than that of an ordinary person.” He added that their conduct is “quite pathetic” and that they display a complete lack of bravery or heroism once out of the public eye.