News
Dubai no longer a safe haven for criminals: Sri Lanka thanks UAE
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Dubai, once considered a haven for international criminals, is fast becoming a risky hideaway for them. The Sri Lanka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has extended Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Interpol Abu Dhabi for their steadfast support in identifying, arresting, and deporting high-profile criminals, including drug traffickers, who had fled to Dubai.
This appreciation was conveyed during a meeting between the Head of CID International Cooperation, DIG Rohan Premaratne and the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, on August 29, 2024, at the UAE Embassy in Colombo.
From Left: Head of the CID International Cooperation Rohan Premaratne UAE Ambassador, Khaled Nasser AI Ameri and Public Security Ministry secretary Viyani Gunathilaka
Public security Ministry secretary Viyani Gunathilaka, was also in attendance told the Sunday Times,“We are receiving excellent support from the UAE Embassy and the ambassador. This assistance has enabled us to deport several criminals to Sri Lanka and identify more still hiding in Dubai. We are moving forward to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans from criminal activities.”
He said the ambassador intends to give all the support in this regard and with the involvement of Interpolthe due process according to domestic law and international law will be followed, Mr. Gunathilaka said.
DIG Premaratne told the Sunday Times, “ We have successfully detected, arrested, and deported numerous high-profile criminals and drug traffickers from the UAE this year, thanks to the
assistance of Interpol Abu Dhabi and the UAE Embassy. The UAE officials have assured us of their continued support.”
As a result of this collaboration, more than 15 Sri Lankan criminals hiding in Dubai have been detected and six of them have already been deported to Sri Lanka. CID reports indicate that the UAE Embassy played a vital role in these operations, facilitating the smooth deportation processes and strengthening ties between both nations.
According to the CID six Lankans who supported major criminals have been deported to Sri Lanka in recent months. Hapuarachhige Don Piyum Hasthika, alias Piyuma, was deported. on February 15, while Adikaram Mudiyanselage Ramesh Priya Janaka, alias Manna Ramesh, and Jayasekara Vithange Ruwan Chamara, alias Midigama Ruwan, were deported on May 7 and 31, respectively.
Two other criminals, Kankanamge Dimuthu Chathuranga Perera, alias Samithapura Chathu, and Kaludura Dinesh Shamantha De Silva, alias Jambugasmulla Babi, were deported on July 12, 2024. The last to be deported, on August 29 was Vithanage Don Geethmal Binoi Dilshan, alias Binoyi.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!