Sri Lanka Freezes Rs. 150 Mn in Assets Linked to ‘Rathgama Vidura’

COLOMBO (News 1st); Authorities have temporarily suspended the use of three houses and four plots of land allegedly acquired using proceeds generated through organized crime activities by notorious underworld figure Pubudumuni Vidura Lakshanda Soysa Wijesinghe, better known as "Rathgama Vidura."

Police said the properties, valued at approximately Rs. 150 million, were identified during an investigation conducted by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division following complaints that Rathgama Vidura had amassed assets through organized criminal activities and drug trafficking.

Investigators alleged that the suspect, in collaboration with his brother-in-law, had accumulated a substantial portfolio of properties using funds believed to have been derived from illicit activities. 

The investigation revealed that several of the assets had been purchased in the name of his mother-in-law in an apparent attempt to conceal ownership.

According to police, the suspended assets include several lands located in the Bopagoda area of Rathgama, together with a building constructed on one of the properties. Also affected is a 13.72-perch plot of land in the same area along with a three-storey residence built on the property.

Among the other properties placed under temporary usage suspension are a 9.10-perch land in Devinigoda and a partially completed three-storey house situated on the premises, as well as a separate 12.33-perch plot of land in the same locality.

Police further stated that a house constructed on a 9.88-perch land in Devinigoda has also been frozen, along with a 73.65-perch property in Paniwatta, Bopagoda, where a two-storey building with a swimming pool is currently under construction.

Investigators identified Rathgama Vidura and his brother-in-law, Paskuwal Handi Dulaj Tharanga, as being connected to the acquisition of the properties. 

Police said Rathgama Vidura is currently believed to be hiding overseas. He is facing allegations in connection with the murders of 16 individuals, including two children, and has also been repeatedly linked to narcotics trafficking investigations.