Sri Lanka has recently witnessed one of the most high-profile law enforcement operations in recent years, with the successful extradition of Kehelbaddara Padme, a notorious underworld figure, and four accomplices from Indonesia. This major breakthrough marks a significant step in cracking down on organized crime, cross-border criminal networks, and forged identity scandals.
Who Is Kehelbaddara Padme?
Kehelbaddara Padme, whose real name is Manudinu Padmasiri Perera, has long been a feared name in Sri Lanka’s underworld.
- He rose to notoriety following the murder of his father in 2018, after which he fled overseas, first to Dubai and later to Malaysia, reportedly under false identities.
- He is most infamously linked to the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa (Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne), carried out near the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
- Padme maintained connections with several underworld figures, including Commando Salintha, who was also arrested in the same operation.
The Arrest and Extradition
On August 27, 2025, Indonesian authorities, working alongside Sri Lankan Police, Interpol, and the CID, apprehended Kehelbaddara Padme and four associates in Jakarta.
By August 30, the suspects were extradited to Colombo under tight security.
- The operation was spearheaded by ASP Rohan Olugala (Western Province North Crimes Division) and ASP Mahinda Jayasundara (CID).
- Both Sri Lankan and Indonesian officials were later honored for their role in this mission, with awards presented by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala and senior police leadership.
Passport Forgery Scandal
Padme’s ability to evade capture for years was partly due to his use of forged passports.
- In May 2025, the CID arrested an Assistant Controller of Immigration & Emigration for providing Padme with three fake passports.
- Several others, including photography studio operators involved in altering documents, were also remanded.
- By June 2025, some suspects were granted bail under strict travel restrictions.
This case exposed deep-rooted corruption within state institutions, drawing widespread public attention.
Plots, Threats, and Tension
The Padme saga has been marked by murder plots and death threats:
- In February 2025, police foiled an attempt to assassinate Padme’s in-laws after a suspect was caught filming their residence.
- In August 2025, Padme allegedly threatened Chief Inspector Linton Silva, who had arrested one of his close allies.
- Investigations later revealed that these calls may have been staged by associates impersonating Padme, using WhatsApp with foreign SIM cards. A businessman from Panadura was subsequently arrested for orchestrating the fake threats.
Why This Case Matters
The capture and extradition of Kehelbaddara Padme highlight several critical issues in Sri Lanka’s fight against organized crime:
- Cross-border crime control – showcasing effective collaboration with Indonesian authorities and Interpol.
- State corruption exposure – uncovering how forged passports were issued with official backing.
- Public security reinforcement – demonstrating the government’s resolve to dismantle underworld networks that destabilize law and order.
Looking Ahead
As Padme and his gang face Sri Lankan courts, the coming months are likely to bring further revelations about their criminal empire, political connections, and corruption networks.
For the public, this case is more than just an underworld story — it is a test of Sri Lanka’s justice system and its ability to root out crime at both street and state level.
This operation stands as one of the most decisive blows against organized crime in Sri Lanka in recent years.
