Kehelbaddara Padme’s Hidden Wealth Under Investigation

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan police have launched a comprehensive investigation into illegally acquired assets linked to several organized crime figures, including underworld leader Kehelbaddara Padme, who was arrested in Indonesia.

The probe is being led by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division, which has already uncovered significant details about properties and financial holdings allegedly purchased in Sri Lanka using illicit funds.

According to police sources, many of these assets—both movable and immovable—were acquired under the names of Padme’s close associates to conceal ownership.

In addition, police have identified properties connected to another suspect, known as Commando Salintha, as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities estimate the value of the seized assets to be in the multi-million rupee range.

Legal proceedings are expected to follow, with police preparing to seek court orders to freeze the identified properties.

The arrests were made during a coordinated international operation involving Sri Lankan, Indonesian, and Interpol forces.

Six individuals, including leaders of three major crime syndicates, were apprehended in the early hours of Thursday in Indonesia.

Among those arrested are Commando Salintha, Backhoe Saman, Panadura Nilanga, and Tambili Lahiru—figures known for their involvement in organized crime.

Notably, Backhoe Saman’s wife and child were also taken into custody during the operation.

This high-profile crackdown marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks and recover assets obtained through unlawful means.