Wanted underworld figure extradited from India

The suspect Janith Madhusanka alias 'Podi Lesi' who was extradited from India will be  handed over to the Galle Divisional Crime Unit for further investigations, Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler said.

The suspect known as Podi Lesi, a large-scale drug trafficker who is also wanted by police in connection with several murder incidents, was brought out of Katunayake Airport after being arrested in India and brought to the country early this morning (27).

The suspect was brought to Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL 142.

Police Media Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler further said that, including Podi Lesi, 14 suspects have so far been brought to Sri Lanka without international red notices.

He also mentioned that 29 suspects for whom international red notices had been issued since 2024 have been successfully brought back to the country.

“Through the existing state mechanism, during the years 2024, 2025, and 2026, we have been able to bring back 29 suspects against whom red notices were issued. In addition, including the suspect brought today, we have been able to bring 14 suspects without international police red notices. Based on the direct intervention of the Inspector General of Police and the trust placed by the respective countries particularly in matters related to immigration violations and deportation. We were able to bring these suspects back. Furthermore, 89 red notices have been obtained for organized criminals. In 2026, maximum efforts will be made to bring these suspects back to the country" he added.