by Norman Palihawadane
The repatriation of two Sri Lankan underworld figures, arrested in the United Arab Emirates, has been delayed after Sri Lankan police authorities allegedly failed to submit the documents required by Dubai authorities, with investigators blaming interference by senior officials.
The two suspects are Avishka Madhushan Abeygunawardena, alias ‘Wanathe Chathu’, and Patabendi Maddumage Shehan Sathsara, alias ‘Dehi Bale Malli’, both wanted in connection with serious organised criminal activities in Sri Lanka.
Investigators said the necessary documentation for processing their deportation had not been completed despite the arrests being secured through intelligence shared by the Sri Lanka Police Central Crime Investigation Bureau, State Intelligence Service and the Criminal Investigation Department with Dubai authorities.
Abeygunawardena, who is reportedly a close associate of fugitive drug trafficker Kanjipani Imran, was arrested by UAE security authorities in Ras Al-Khaimah on August 20. Police intelligence has linked him to organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, extortion and contract killings. Investigators allege that he continued coordinating criminal activities in Sri Lanka while operating from the UAE.
Sathsara, better known as ‘Dehi Bale Malli’, is also described by police as a prominent drug trafficker and underworld figure. He is alleged to have operated alongside his brother, Thushan Nethsara, alias ‘Kalu Malli’.
Kalu Malli was previously arrested by Dubai Police based on intelligence provided by Sri Lankan authorities and was processed for repatriation under an Interpol Red Notice. Subsequent raids by the Police Special Task Force in Sri Lanka reportedly led to the recovery of heroin, firearms and ammunition allegedly linked to the brothers’ network.
Several other Sri Lankan organised crime figures, including ‘Bus Lalith’, ‘Alto Dharme’ and ‘Konda Ranji’, are also in custody in Dubai.
Bus Lalith, arrested in Dubai in November 2025, is wanted in Sri Lanka in connection with several murder, extortion and robbery cases.
Investigators said the failure to promptly complete the repatriation process could seriously hamper ongoing investigations into organised crime and drug trafficking networks operating between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
They stressed that the arrests overseas had been achieved through coordinated intelligence work and that administrative delays within the Sri Lankan police should not be allowed to undermine those investigations.