Underworld Figure “Podi Lassie” Remanded Until March 17

COLOMBO (News 1st); Underworld figure “Podi Lassie” has been remanded until the 17th of this month after being produced before the Baddegama Magistrate’s Court.

He was apprehended by foreign law-enforcement authorities while evading court orders and absconding illegally, and was handed over to Sri Lankan officials last Friday.

He was escorted to the country by a team from the Criminal Investigation Department.

Following his return, he was placed under the jurisdiction of the Galle Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, where he was questioned under a detention order.

Meanwhile, the Illegal Assets Investigation Division has frozen the use of a luxury property and house in Pannipitiya, valued at approximately Rs. 30 million, believed to belong to underworld figure Janith Madushanka de Silva, known as Podi Lassie.

According to court records, 26 cases are currently being heard against him for various crimes committed since 2007.

These include five murder cases, 13 cases involving attempted murder and grievous injury, and eight cases linked to planning and aiding serious crimes including homicide.

In addition, Podi Lassie had been remanded earlier in connection with the 2015 murder of former Rathgama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Manoj Mendis, but was later released on bail by the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court on 9 December 2024.